Fall 2020 news from Arthritis Society

Arthritis Society presents Arthritis Awareness Month

September is Arthritis Awareness Month and we want to put the spotlight on arthritis. Six million Canadians live with this debilitating and painful disease -- a number that will keep growing until arthritis becomes a national priority.

In a recent poll from the Arthritis Society, 79% of the 2,040 respondents said, “People don’t take arthritis seriously.” This has to change.

In order to drive better health outcomes for everyone affected by arthritis, the Arthritis Society is raising awareness about the impact of this devastating disease and engaging our community by investing in cutting-edge arthritis research, continuing to be a leader in proactive advocacy, and providing innovative information and support solutions.

To learn more about this initiative, visit arthritis.ca/1for6million.

Arthritis Talks: your virtual informative sessions

 

Just like our friends at the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, we strive to provide the latest reliable information on how to live well with arthritis. In this time of social distancing, we’re proud to provide you all the information you need, from the comfort of your home!

With a wide variety of subjects and high-profile speakers, these webinars are the best way to stay up to date on the newest arthritis treatments, pain and mental health management tips, exercise and nutrition, and so much more.

Visit arthritis.ca/arthritistalks to learn more and register for upcoming webinars.

Surgery backlog

Prior to COVID-19, there were already challenges meeting the benchmark for joint replacement surgeries across the country. We need to develop and implement a coordinated plan to reduce wait times for joint replacement surgery when elective surgeries are restarted.

42 year-old Annie Lévesque is awaiting joint replacement of both hips. Her wait time may now extend from one to two years.

“This is a terrible situation. The government needs to hear us out on these replacement surgeries. They need to resume as soon as possible at a pace similar to before.”

More than 4,000 people have already joined her in asking their elected representatives to find collaborative solutions to this pressing issue.

Find out more at www.arthritis.ca/takeaction