September Is National Arthritis Month In Canada

Main Category: Arthritis / Rheumatology
Article Date: 03 Sep 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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September is National Arthritis Month in Canada - a time to raise awareness of a condition that affects nearly four million Canadians.

Arthritis is one of the world's most common chronic conditions, and remains a leading cause of pain and physical disability. Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions can affect people of all ages, with numbers expected to double worldwide by 2020. About one in six people over 15 years of age suffer from the disease. Two-thirds of arthritis sufferers are women, and three people out of every five with arthritis are younger than 65 years of age.

Living with the chronic pain of arthritis decreases quality of life and, for most, has a significant impact on all daily activities. For those suffering from arthritis, even the simplest daily task can be a real challenge; sleep is easily disrupted, depression is common and visits to health professionals are frequent.

There is still no known cause of arthritis, so effective health promotion and disease prevention efforts remain critical tools. For this reason, the Public Health Agency of Canada released Arthritis in Canada: an ongoing challenge in 2003. The publication compiled data on the impact of arthritis in Canada, explored innovative approaches to arthritis surveillance, and identified strategies to reduce its adverse consequences and enhance access to care and services.

By staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight, Canadians can decrease their chances of developing arthritis. As Minister of Health, I urge all Canadians to take this month to learn about arthritis, to join us in raising awareness and to take action to reduce their risk.

Health Canada

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