World Arthritis Day 2008
New booklet offers real-life advice to help people with rheumatoid arthritis live more independently
In celebration of this year’s ‘Think Positive’ World Arthritis Day, a new booklet entitled ‘Rheumatoid Arthritis: Experiences, Ideas, and Support’ brings together a collection of practical tips and advice from people with rheumatoid arthritis and caregivers to help and inspire others with the condition to live as independently as possible.
The booklet comprises ideas and experiences submitted to the ‘B Me’ initiative*by people from around the world who are living with rheumatoid arthritis, their carers and the healthcare professionals involved in their treatment. It offers advice on treatment and lifestyle changes to help people take control of the condition.
Rheumatoid arthritis tends to strike in the prime of life between the ages of 30-50 1 and can have a devastating impact on quality of life and people’s ability to carry out everyday tasks. However, simple lifestyle changes along with an effective treatment programme can help to make daily life easier and help to stop the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of future disability.
Seventy per cent of people with rheumatoid arthritis have signs of permanent joint damage within two years of the start of their disease2 , therefore it is important that they receive a diagnosis and begin effective treatment as soon as possible. However, people vary in their response to different treatment options. Persistent symptoms indicate that the disease is not under control, that joints are at risk of further damage and a change in treatment should be considered. With the variety of therapies that exist today, there is no need for people to put up with the ongoing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Commenting on the booklet, Dr Andrew Östör, Consultant Rheumatologist and Director of the Rheumatology Clinical Research Unit at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, UK, said “The ‘Rheumatoid Arthritis: Experiences, Ideas, and Support’ booklet is a wonderful way to communicate the personal challenges patients face in coping with rheumatoid arthritis. In giving them the opportunity to share and learn from each other, patients are motivated to change their lifestyle in line with their experiences and if symptoms persist, to seek a change in therapy in order to take control of their condition and continue living as independently as possible.”
The booklet builds on the ‘Think Positive’ theme for World Arthritis Day and is available to download at www.bmeinitiative.com from 10 October 2008.
About ‘B Me’
‘B Me’ is funded by Roche, as part of its long-term commitment to raise awareness of rheumatoid arthritis and help people with the condition live as independently as possible.
For further information, please visit www.bmeinitiative.com
*‘B Me’ is an international awareness initiative that aims to put the spotlight on rheumatoid arthritis and to challenge the way people think about living with this condition.
