Contrary to popular myth, arthritis is not a disease of the elderly. Of the more than four million Canadians with arthritis, approximately 60 per cent are of working age.
Over two-thirds of long-term disability expenses incurred by Canadians with arthritis fall within the 35 to 64 age bracket, a time when many reach their professional peak and attempt to support a family. People with arthritis are affected at work regardless of their job.
They have additional daily struggles that their co-workers don’t face. The pain and stiffness of arthritis can interfere with the ability to perform work-related tasks. Fatigue and a lack of energy when working are reported as particularly problematic among people with all different types of arthritis.
The Arthritis Society the Arthritis Self-Management Program, that teaches participants how to play a more active role in managing their arthritis including pain management techniques, stress management techniques, and fatigues management techniques.
This six-week program was developed at Stanford University and is led by trained volunteer instructors. Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the Arthritis Self-Management Program is the discussion and shared experiences of classmates, the knowledge that you are not alone in your suffering.
The Arthritis Society is offering the Arthritis Self-Management Program in Fergus for those who work during the day starting on Sept. 9 from 7 to 9pm at the Victoria Park Seniors Centre. The course is $35 per person or $50 per couple sharing a textbook.
To register or to learn more about this program, please call the Health and Wellness Line at 1-800-321-1433.
