Last week was Arthritis Awareness Week with Arthritis and Osteoporosis NSW is urging everyone to become informed about arthritis.
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Incidence of arthritis is increasing in Australia, with recent NSW Health statistics indicating that one-in- four people are now affected by arthritis and related conditions.
Arthritis and Osteoporosis NSW CEO, Sandra Vincent, said it was great that Cowra residents can find information and support from their local arthritis support group.
“At Arthritis and Osteoporosis NSW, we strive to help people with arthritis to improve their quality of life by developing their self-management skills,” she said.
“When it comes to osteoarthritis, the two most important factors in prevention and management are maintenance of a healthy weight and an appropriate exercise regime that strengthens the muscles around the affected joints,” she said.
According to findings just released by the Medibank Better Health Foundation, the number of osteoarthritis cases in New South Wales has soared in the past 10 years, from 347,000 in 2007 to 601,000 in 2017.
According to Arthritis and Osteoporosis NSW the three most prevalent forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and, in children, juvenile idiopathic arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease and although it is sometimes referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis, it is in fact a disease and not an inevitable part of the ageing process.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), a serious, chronic, inflammatory autoimmune condition that can occur at any age. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent much of the joint damage, deformity and disability associated with RA.
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), an inflammatory autoimmune condition which, if not treated quickly and appropriately, can seriously affect the growth and development of a child, causing severe joint damage, growth abnormalities and permanent disability.
The Cowra Arthritis support group will be holding their next meeting Tuesday, May 6 at 2pm.
The meetings guest speaker will be Acupuncturist, Stephen Tamplin, from Central West Naturopathic and Health Foods.
All are welcome to attend the Cowra Arthritis Support groups meeting for more information on the group please contact Christine Murphy on 0427 423 596.
