September is Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis is a serious and growing problem in Canada. Without action, the number of Canadians living with arthritis is expected to increase by 50% from six million today to nine million by 2040.
According to Arthritis Society Canada’s Arthritis Awareness Survey, three-quarters of Canadians (73%) know someone who suffers from arthritis, and 70% are afraid of developing arthritis or fear that they already have it. At the same time, the survey also found that a significant number of people don’t understand how serious arthritis is.
40% of Canadians (46% of men and 35% of women) still think arthritis is just a normal part of aging – it’s not. Arthritis can affect people at any age. Over half of people with arthritis in Canada are under age 65, including as many as 25,000 children and teens.
“There are over 100 forms of arthritis and related diseases,” said Trish Barbato, President and CEO at Arthritis Society Canada. “This disease is not only common, but also terribly complex. If not treated effectively, arthritis can increase the risk for other serious conditions, including obesity, diabetes, heart and stroke, mental health, and many progressive disabilities. We really need to make people aware of the prevalence and impact of arthritis.”
That is why for Arthritis Awareness Month, Arthritis Society Canada is running a national campaign called Faces of Arthritis to help bust myths about arthritis and what it is like to live with this disease. Too many people living with arthritis feel dismissed or suffer in silence because people don’t understand how painful and debilitating arthritis can be. Faces of Arthritis brings together some of the deeply personal stories behind the six million Canadians living with arthritis today. Visit Faces of Arthritis to hear people’s stories of how living arthritis has impacted their lives. You can also watch for and help share #FacesOfArthritis stories on social media.
Federated Health Charities proudly supports Arthritis Society Canada and their mission to end the agony of arthritis. For more information about arthritis, including resources to help manage your arthritis, please visit Arthritis Society Canada. You can also check out these articles from our archive:
You can help support a healthier Ontario and fight the pain of arthritis by donating to Federated Health Charities today.
