Arthritis Matters NUTRITION RESEARCH EXERCISE HEALTH Issue 62 R.R.P $6.95
KIDS WITH ARTHRITIS Putting a media spotlight on the JIA funding crisis
BACK TO WORK WITH ARTHRITIS: Good advice to help you meet the challenges
HANDLE WITH CARE: Information and support for carers
PREVENTING FALLS: Take these steps to stay on your feet
www.arthritisnsw.org.au ABOUT US Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW is a member- based health charity founded in 1967 to help improve the quality of life of people affected by arthritis, osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal conditions. We work to empower the individual to manage their own condition and health towards achieving their personal meaning of our vision, Freedom from Arthritis. The organisation is a trusted source of evidence-based and up-to-date information on arthritis and its treatment, with resources and education delivered across a number of platforms including our website at www.arthritisnsw.org.au, publications such as Arthritis Matters, webinars and community awareness sessions in metropolitan and country areas. Our health services team develops and delivers exercise programs tailored to the needs of people affected by arthritis, such as the popular Warm Water Exercise Classes and Strength and Balance program. We deliver two annual camps for children affected by juvenile arthritis: Camp Twinkletoes for children under 8 years old and their families, and Camp Footloose for children and young people aged 9 to 18 years. We engage with the community through our membership program, a network of support groups, publications such as Arthritis Matters, eNewsletter subscriptions, social media platforms such as Facebook, and our toll-free Arthritis Infoline which connects callers with health professionals. You can subscribe to our FREE monthly eNewsletter at eepurl.com/9rFd5
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP ✔ Be Heard Understanding | Support | Community ✔ Be Informed
We would love to have you as a financial member of the organisation. This involves ✔ Be Supported payment of a modest annual membership fee which not only helps us to develop and deliver our services, but also provides you with a number of unique member-only ✔ Be Rewarded benefits. You will receive up to date information via our MagazineArthritis Matters, three times per annum and attractive discounts on all classes and events.
For more information on becoming a Member, please visit: www.arthritisnsw.org.au/membership/about/ Call: 02 9857 3300 Email: [email protected] For arthritis information Arthritis Infoline Arthritis Matters 1800 011 041 Arthritis Matters
CONTENTS Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW Issue 62 Locked Bag 2216, North Ryde, NSW, 1670. T: 02 9857 3300 F: 02 9857 3399 BUILDING OUR AUDIENCE HANDLE WITH CARE W: www.arthritisnsw.org.au 4 18 CEO update by Sandra Vincent Take a closer look at this challenging Facebook.com/ArthritisNSW role linkedin.com/company/3610705/ CHANGES TO THE BOARD 5 DAILY LIVING Twitter.com/ArthritisNSW Our new President and Vice-President 19 Instagram.com/ArthritisNSW Try these recommended aids form our PROTECTING OUR partner AFDL Arthritis Matters magazine is developed and published by Arthritis & Osteoporosis 6 INVESTMENTS NSW (AONSW), and distributed to Members We’ve defined our strategic objectives DAILY LIVING of AONSW, magazine subscribers, and a 20 selection of health professionals and other supporters. PACKAGING PAIN Test your knowledge with our 7 crossword Editorial What caused wrap rage in 2018 AONSW: Sandra Vincent, Sharon Knight, Lindy Sivyer, Andrew Cairns, Janine Robertson, SOCIAL BENEFITS Leanne Hinden, Jo Boik, Karen Tebbet BACK TO WORK WITH 21 Referenced: Osteoporosis Australia, Arthritis 8 ARTHRITIS Research confirms Camp Footloose Australia, Arthritis-health.com, Carer Gateway, Great advice on workplace saves impact Arthritis Foundation US, Healthymummy.com, Heart Foundation, Safeworkaustralia.com, National Psoriasis Foundation, US FUN AND EMPOWERMENT HEALTHY BBQS On the cover: (Front to back) Juliette Fuller, 10 22 Abigail Hall and Caitlyn Peacock on the water What kids and parents say about Try these great food swap ideas at Camp Footloose. Camp Footloose Photographer: Leanne Hinden GETTING TO KNOW YOU ADVERTISING KEEP MOVING IN 2019 24 Contribution and advertising closing 12 Four members tell their stories dates: Issue 63 (June 2019): booking deadline Member praise for our exercise 30 May 2019 programs FALLS PREVENTION For enquiries or to advertise in Arthritis Matters: P: 02 9857 3300 or 26 E: [email protected] FOOD SWAPS Take pro-active steps to stay on your 13 feet Advertising policy statement Small changes can achieve easy weight Products and services advertised in Arthritis Matters loss are not necessarily recommended or endorsed by LAP SWIMMING Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW or other state Arthritis 28 affiliates. Some readers may assume that anything PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS Low impact exercise that builds advertised in these pages has been cleared, vetted 14 strength or in some way approved by the charity. This is not so. Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW is not equipped Symptoms, diagnosis and treatments to test and approve products and services that are SUPPORT NETWORK available to the general public. Please exercise careful OUR PETITION FOR JIA judgement about whether the item or service is likely 29 to help you personally, and where appropriate, take 16 SUPPORT Find help and guidance through our professional advice from your doctor or specialist Funding is needed for medical staff local networks before making a purchase. and training While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information inside Arthritis Matters, EVENTS CALENDAR no warranties or guarantees are given, nor is any ALLIANCES 30 What’s happening in 2019 responsibility accepted by the publishers, its agents 17 or anyone else involved in its production for any errors which may occur. Nothing contained inside Support group kicks off membership is intended as medical advice – always consult your drive doctor regarding treatment or medicines. 3 Chief Executive Update
Building our audience
free community education sessions education for doctors and nurses to people living with arthritis, and treating the condition. This resulted attend their agricultural show to give in an ABC TV interview broadcast in free advice and assessments. The local January and a story published on ABC newspapers were equally keen to run Online featuring a number of families the story and we were encouraged from Camp Twinkletoes 2018. We by the media’s support for this much- also created a petition on Facebook, needed community service. calling for the State Government to significantly increase funding to the Highlighting the JIA funding crisis Sydney Children’s Hospital Network Our engagement with the media for timely treatment of children with moved to a new level in October juvenile arthritis and further education during our annual camp for teenagers for GPs. with juvenile arthritis (JIA), Camp Footloose. Run over five days in the Board changes Hello and welcome to our first issue of school holidays, Camp Footloose Following the Annual General Meeting Arthritis Matters for 2019. was attended by 28 preteens and held on 27 November, outgoing teens, supported by a team of president Alan Ryan was replaced by Last year was a big year for Arthritis volunteers and members of our staff vice-president Nigel Corne and our & Osteoporosis NSW: launching and Board. We invited ABC TV to treasurer Murray Smith stepped into our Strength & Balance program, attend one afternoon to film the the role of vice-president. We also delivering our first Rural Health children and interview Board member welcomed our new Board member Initiative and expanding our and Paediatric Rheumatologist Dr Anne Carroll. To find out more about community education program. We Davinder Singh-Grewal (see photo these changes, turn to page 5. were heartened by the response to the below). The subsequent two-minute Strength & Balance program and the broadcast highlighted JIA and the Arthritis Matters is your magazine and members who signed on for return social benefits the children experience I want it to be relevant to you. If you classes. Audiences at every regional when attending the camp. Several would like to see a particular arthritis centre visited by our Rural Health camp teenagers were also interviewed topic or event featured in these pages, Initiative gave us a warm reception by their local newspapers where they please let us know: info@arthritisnsw. and thanked us for ‘caring enough shared their stories and highlighted org.au. to come’. Our community education their ‘misunderstood’ condition. sessions at Macquarie College, the Royal North Shore Pain Clinic, to local Late last year we leveraged the ABC’s rotary groups and retirement villages interest in JIA when we issued a media release on the severe lack of funding attracted new audiences and positive Sandra Vincent for the diagnosis and treatment of feedback. This encouraged us to Chief Executive Officer develop a structured course Living Well juvenile arthritis which affects more with Arthritis which we are offering to than 3000 children in NSW. We organisations in 2019. called for the State Government to significantly increase funding and Raising our media profile As Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW focused last year on developing new health services and testing them in the community, we built our public profile to ensure we maximised our audience reach. We preceded each Rural Health Initiative visit to a regional town with a media campaign and I found myself chatting on commercial breakfast radio and to Country ABC broadcasters to spread our messages to local audiences. It was a great story: Our health services team was coming to town to give
4 Organisational news Our new Board leaders
Following the Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW (AONSW) Annual General Meeting in November, the Board elected our new President Nigel Corne, Vice President Murray Smith and welcomed a new Director Anne Carroll to the Board.
Nigel Corne Murray Smith Anne Carroll Nigel has broad experience across Murray has taken on the role as Vice The Board has also given a warm many sectors, having served on the President in addition to his current welcome to their newest Director boards of privately owned companies, roles as Director and Treasurer. ‘I’ve Anne Carroll, a registered nurse, nurse listed public companies and other not- enjoyed the challenge of being on manager and hospital director. for-profit (NFP) organisations. the Board for the past two years and look forward to working with Nigel, Born and raised in the Bankstown ‘My task as President is to expand the Sandra, the Board and staff to help area, Anne did her nursing training very good foundations introduced AONSW meet its goals and serve at Bankstown Hospital and then, by former president Allan Ryan in the interests of its stakeholders in an while working full time, attended establishing a board culture that takes increasingly complex environment,’ university part-time and obtained a us forward, structured to face the Murray said. Bachelor of Health Studies (Nursing) challenges presented for NFPs,’ Nigel and a Master of Public Health. From said. ‘In addition to the financial expertise I 1992 until 2016, she worked as a have gained over many years, I bring hospital director in various hospitals, ‘Our Board is now made up of governance knowledge and experience with her primary focus always being qualified directors who clearly from the other Board roles that I hold. clinical care. Anne is on various boards understand the line drawn between As someone with osteoarthritis, I including Uniting NSW ACT, and the board roles and management roles. appreciate how the latest information War Memorial Hospital. Our focus will not be on financial helps me to understand and manage success and sustainability alone but, the condition. I know Sandra and our ‘I hope to fulfil my role on the among other things, ensuring that staff are doing a terrific job to help AONSW Board by bringing my clinical stated objectives are shared by all improve the lives of many members expertise and passion for high quality stakeholders – staff, consumers, and consumers, and I am keen to see care services and support to our members and suppliers. that expanded in the community. discussions, to ensure we meet the needs of our members and the wider ‘My role includes leading the Board ‘I’ve attended two Camp Footloose community,’ Anne said. and encouraging debate so that events and they are truly inspiring. the best decisions are made by the I am proud to be associated with Lindy Sivyer Board as a whole, using all the talent AONSW and to contribute in a small Marketing & Campaigns Co-ordinator available. With CEO Sandra Vincent way to its achievements,’ Murray said. Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW and her team, we will communicate regularly with stakeholders so everyone is kept aware of our activity. Arthritis Matters is a wonderful source of this information,’ he said.
5 Organisational news Securing our systems In 2017–2018 Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW embarked on a program to secure our cyber environment after a series of attempts by cyber criminals to infiltrate our systems.
Cyber security is a top priority for management system to ensure that Notifiable Data Breach Scheme. The all organisations to ensure that their full credit card details are not stored scheme requires any data breach customer data and other systems in our database. Instead, data is sent that would result in serious harm are safe from criminal activity. With encrypted to be processed elsewhere to a person to be reported to the attacks becoming noticeably more and our system is provided with a individuals involved, along with the sophisticated and frequent, the number to identify the transaction. Australian Information Commissioner. organisation examined the attempts to hack through our firewall and As a further refinement, the client In mid-February, all staff attended activate malware (viruses) on to the management system can only be a Cyber Security Training course server network. accessed from office computers to discuss the importance of cyber that are protected by usernames, security and what we can all do to Firstly, we completed internal and passwords and are equipped with ensure we are not left open to attack. external reviews of our policies, antivirus software. We are also developing an incident process and systems to look at how management plan to guide us should we can best protect the information It is now organisational policy to AONSW be subjected to a cyber that our members and customers report all phishing emails, which are interruption. entrust to us. then investigated and actioned to ensure the email sender is blocked. Karen Tebbet Then we implemented tokenisation Business Development Manager (past) of payments within our client Our privacy policy was updated Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW to include the introduction of the PROTECTING OUR INVESTMENTS Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW is take advantage of the shorter term very careful in its management of investment outlook) and to diversify donor funds and recently revised investments in order to reduce risk. its investment policy and designed an Investment Policy Statement Investment strategy: The investment (IPS) to support the works of the strategy of AONSW supports the organisation. The IPS defines our work of the organisation to provide investment objectives and tolerance consumer information and education, to risk and set outs the investment deliver services, promote community portfolio’s alignment to the needs of support, fund research, and establish the organisation and its income and strategic partnerships. capital objectives. Corporate governance: The IPS Continuity: Members of the Board provides detail on the authorities, The Statement contains the objectives and Executive will change from time responsibilities and procedures of both the operational / working to time but the IPS provides a basis required in order to manage the capital (short term) and strategic for management of the organisation’s investments of AONSW thus providing capital (long term) portfolios in investments through all investment a strong governance framework. terms of capital growth, income environments. and volatility of portfolio value. The Evidence of prudence: Permitted Asset Allocation Benchmarks for each Framework review: The IPS will investments are limited to those that portfolio have been set to achieve the be reviewed on an ongoing basis to meet the ethical criteria that have objectives, given the medium and long ensure that the investment portfolio’s been determined taking into account term outlook for investment markets. objectives align with the mission and the organisation’s stakeholders and The permitted ranges of investment vision of AONSW. are further limited in terms of type exposure to each asset class have of investment in each asset class and been set to accommodate tactical tilts Finance, Risk & Audit Committee level of exposure. (increases or decreases in exposure to
6 Daily Living 1 2
1. Best packaging: Vitasoy. The top consumer choice for the Best Packaging of 2018 was a turn-and pour cap on aseptic packaging, for products like long life milk. Look for the images indicating the turn-and-pour cap
2. Worst packaging: ring pull. The top consumer choice for the Worst Packaging of 2018 was plastic ring pull-tabs When packaging causes
Anger over product packaging is 5. Plastic bottles – water and sport difference when you get the product common these days. Images of cling- drink bottles are the biggest offenders home and remove the cap.’ wrapped vegetables on supermarket 4. Glass jars – with salsa and jam jars shelves will spark debates about If you’re loyal to a soy or long life topping this list waste and landfill, and poor business milk product that doesn’t have a cap decisions. But when the simple act of 3. Child resistant push-down-and-turn you can use, why not contact the opening a new bottle of soy sauce is a medicine packaging2 manufacture and suggest they provide painful exercise, it becomes personal – a more accessible cap. Alternatively, 2. Milk packaging – from half-moon just ask a person living with arthritis. you can make a complaint on Arthritis inductions seals found under caps Australia’s online packaging feedback through to milk cartons. Daily struggle form and they will contact the 1. The top pick for the worst category company on your behalf. Here is the According to Arthritis Australia’s was plastic ring-pull tabs, found under link address for the feedback form: research, 44 per cent of consumers caps of products such as vegetable arthritisaustralia.com.au/accessible- struggle with packaging every oil and soy sauce, as well as long life design-division/consumer-information/ day, negatively impacting their (aseptic) milk and soymilk packaging. packaging-feedback. emotional wellbeing and sense of independence. Hard-to-open Accessible Packaging Researcher 1. How accessible is food & drink packaging? packaging can also increase the risk for Arthritis Australia, Alexandra Industry Perception VS Consumer Reality 2018 of injury to consumers and 92 per Arthritis Australia: arthritisaustralia.com.au/ Brayshaw, who co-ordinated the accessible-design-division/resources-for-industry/ cent of consumers reported damaging campaign, said that there was an guidelines-research/how-accessible-is-food- or spilling a product when trying to interesting connection between the drink-packaging-industry-perception-vs- open it.1 People with arthritis in their top Best and Worst voted packaging. consumer-reality hands are particularly sensitive to over- packaging. 2. Turn to page 19 for details on purchasing a ‘For the Best category, the campaign medicine cap remover product available from received a number of nominations our partner Aids for Daily Living Many such frustrated consumers for long-life and soy milk products shared their views via Arthritis from two companies: Vitasoy and Australia’s social media campaign Devondale, so we bought samples That’s a wrap: the best and worst of the aseptic packaging for testing,’ Our partner AIDS FOR packaging. The annual campaign said Alex. ‘We found that they had invites consumers to reflect on their a special turn and pour cap which DAILY LIVING has experiences to nominate what they breaks the seal as you turn and found to be the most and least remove it, eliminating the need for a a range of products consumer-friendly packaging. ring pull tab.’ to help people with That’s a Wrap: Best and Worst ‘As the best-voted turn and pour cap arthritis. Visit our Packaging of 2018 is found on long-life and soy milk products, and our worst-voted ring website at arthritisnsw. Results are in for the 2018 campaign pull tab is found on similar products which received a majority of from other brands, we encourage org.au/afdl-shop/ for nominations and votes for the Worst people to look closely next time they packaging category. Here are the top buy a product in aseptic packaging. more information. five picks: The votes showed there was a big
7 Health
Lifestyle
Manage arthritis at work, or in your home office
If you are likely to spend a good portion of the coming year in an office environment – whether in paid employment or in your home office (planning holidays or researching your family history), let’s make sure you get off to a good start with these practical considerations for managing your arthritis.
Be mindful of ergonomics Find a keyboard that will keep providing the assistive devices you need to do your job. If you’re working from home, don’t your wrists happy be tempted to work from the couch If you’re purchasing a detachable Brace yourself all day. You need a workspace that keyboard, consider one that’s easier allows you to sit upright and keep on arthritic hands and wrists. Options You may find that, even with assistive your back and neck straight, your include a sloped keyboard that’s high devices, you need extra support elbows and knees bent at 90 degree in the middle, a keyboard that’s split during the workday for an arthritic angles, and your feet on the floor. in two, and/or one that’s padded to wrist. In this case, consider wearing Use a sturdy chair with good lumbar protect the wrists. a working brace, which can stabilize support and sit in front of a desk and strengthen your wrist and hand that’s at about waist height when For people with severe hand pain, as you carry out daily tasks. A working you’re sitting down. Armrests are there are keyboards that are controlled brace is often made of neoprene with helpful for those with arthritis in their by two domes that you rest your Velcro straps and provides for some arms or hands. hands on and shift slightly to type. flexibility. There are also short key and word Lift your laptop prediction software programs that can Give your brain and body a help you minimise keystrokes. Despite their name, laptops are not break good to use on your lap, because Use a mobile mouse Work smartly by practicing good looking down at the screen can posture. Take breaks to rest your eyes cause bad posture and pain in your Laptops that have a track pad or tiny and get up and walk around. Stay back and neck. But they’re not much joystick may be difficult for arthritis- hydrated by keeping a water bottle better sitting at eye level, either—then affected hands to manipulate. at your desk. Know your limitations, your arms and wrists are strained by Consider using a detachable mouse and talk with your employer if you reaching up to the keyboard. Laptops that is ergonomically suited to need assistance with other ways to do are designed for portability, not good your hand mobility. Or work on a your job in an effective and pain-free ergonomics. tablet or computer equipped with a manner. touchscreen. Here are two ways to solve this Source: Seven tips to managing arthritis in the problem: Add other adaptive equipment office by Carrie DeVries, Arthritis-health.com 1. Use books or a stand to elevate AONSW partner Aids for Daily Living your laptop screen so it’s just carries some products that are helpful below eye level. in a home office environment such as steady pens, special scissors (see page 2. Use a detachable keyboard that 19), magnifiers and lumbar supports. you can use with your elbows at Otherwise, talk to your employer’s 90 degrees and your wrists level. human resources representative about
8 Health BACK INTO PAID-EMPLOYMENT WITH ARTHRITIS Participation in the paid workforce is important to many people, not just to maintain their livelihood but for a variety of reasons such as the desire to use and develop their skills and talents, to contribute within a team environment, or for the social interaction work affords.
Arthritis can often present hurdles for • ‘Lead with your strengths,’ is CHALLENGE 3 – You have a need or people wishing to continue with or the advice from the career coach desire to re-enter the job market: return to their working life. Indeed, consulted. In practice, this means • Get your mind in shape. Australian statistics indicate that talking about the positive things Workplace consultants advise arthritis is the second most common you bring to the table and why reading up on your industry, cause of early retirement due to you’d be a valuable asset to the attending seminars, and/or using ill health1. The key to overcoming team. Even if your symptoms are a career counselling service. some of these hurdles is not so much visible, you don’t want to convey That way, when you go on job in knowing your limitations, but the message that your arthritis is interviews or meet someone who instead learning about and using the who you are or give a potential could be a work contact, you’re resources available to help you. employer reason to wonder if you able to show you’re up to speed can do your job. on your chosen career field. In their article Finding a job and working with arthritis,2 the Arthritis CHALLENGE 2 – You’re concerned • Establish a daily schedule. If Foundation US asked a panel of about post-operative pain or being you haven’t been on a regular experts - comprising psychologists, less productive than before: schedule, start now so you’re not career coaches, physical therapists and • Prepare with a physical overwhelmed when you begin surgeons - for their advice in three therapist to give you work. Start and end your day at common scenarios. confidence to forge ahead the same time and give yourself when you return to the office, time slots for specific duties. For CHALLENGE 1 – You’ve recently left a is the advice from the panel’s example, search for jobs in the position, voluntarily or not, because rehabilitation expert. Give your morning; have lunch and take a your condition kept you from physical therapist a detailed walk; then network and reach out fulfilling its demands: description of your day-to-day to contacts in the afternoon. • ‘Be honest [with yourself] tasks and set goals and guidelines • Rethink your résumé. about the situation,’ is the key for being able to do those tasks Career coaches advise to start advice from the psychologist on again. résumés, cover letters and even the panel. Did some of your work • Go slowly, is the advice from conversations by showcasing the practices cause pain and fatigue the panel’s orthopaedic surgeon. experience that’s most relevant, that reduced your productivity? Did Don’t try to work through not most recent. If you don’t your employer lack understanding significant pain or pretend you’re have any relevant experience to of the time you needed to attend at 100 per cent when you’re not. highlight, consider offering to medical appointments? Identifying Consider working half-days for volunteer your skills to non-profit what was wrong can help you your initial period back at work. organisations related to your move forward and put you back in If your doctor recommends using area of interest. Not only does control of your job search. a cane, use it. Ice your joint if it’s volunteering give you references • Make a list of ‘must-haves’ sore, and make sure you get up and a body of work to show for your next working and move around every half-hour potential employers, it also eases environment. Do you need any to reduce the risk of blood clots you back into employment. and stiffness. special ergonomic equipment? 1. arthritisaustralia.com.au/what-is-arthritis/ Flexible work hours? Finding • Adjust your workspace. fastfacts out whether your ‘must-haves’ Ergonomic tools and accessories will be available may require 2. Finding a job and working with arthritis, by can make your workspace more some detective work during the Camille Noe Pagán, Arthritis Foundation US, comfortable, so you can be more arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/life-stages/ interview and hiring process. In productive. You might also want work/workforce-ready.php choosing your next job, make to hire an occupational therapist sure that you’re going to be able who can assess the physical to get what you need so you can and psychological components thrive professionally, physically and of your workplace and suggest emotionally. adjustments and equipment.
9 Health Services news Fun and friends at Camp Footloose
Twenty-eight teens and pre-teens spent five days at Camp Footloose in October last year, held at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation, where they had fun, shared their experiences, and made a bunch of supportive new friends.
The camp provides participants with ‘He didn’t have to pretend that he education, support and peers with was okay when he wasn’t. He could whom they can share experiences and just be himself,’ Julie said. ‘He’s also understanding. These social benefits talking about food and eating more draw the teenagers back each year salmon. He loved the yoga and he is and it is a goal of AONSW that newly doing that too.’ diagnosed children attend as well. This year children from ACT, NSW and ‘Cooper learned that he needs to Paige was diagnosed with Victoria attended, with 18 returning keep active and he’s thinking of ways polyarticular arthritis in 2017 at age from previous camps. of doing that without putting pressure 10. ‘Before she was diagnosed, a on himself. He’s been so down. He mum from her school told me she The camp also focused on physical used to be so sporty and was the was running on the balls of her feet fun, with volunteers, AONSW staff fastest kid in his class, representing and this was because she had arthritis and Board members on hand to help his school in cross country. He went in her ankles. Now she has been the kids with activities such as archery, from that to not being able to get out diagnosed she is using her ankles and rock climbing and kayaking. Self- of bed in the morning to go to the is running so much better. She has management sessions were facilitated bathroom. Sometimes he walks like an injections every week which she hates, by a life coach and food scientist, old man and it’s been a struggle for it’s the hardest part.’ covering topics on nutrition, yoga and him to come to terms with that. goal setting. These sessions helped Like many children going on their first empower the children with relaxation ‘I was really impressed with Camp camp, Amy said that Paige was a little techniques to reduce stress, make Footloose. I couldn’t find anything in nervous at first, and rang her on the life plans and manage their diet to Melbourne like this. He’s dead keen to first night. ‘This was her first time at improve their condition. go next year. It’s a wonderful camp.’ the camp so I told her to wait until the next day after she had done a Greater confidence Interest in nutrition few activities and to call me if she still needed me. Well after that she didn’t Amy Breen, mother to Paige, said that Julie Sirianni, mother to 12-year-old want me near her because she was Camp Footloose was the best she Cooper who attended for the first having such a good time.’ time, said he seemed more confident could have asked for. ‘Paige goes to after the camp because he had made a school in Tamworth with 200 kids Amy has noticed other changes too. friends and felt reassured by the fact and no-one knew what she was going ‘Paige was very interested in the that the other kids were just like him. through. At Camp Footloose she nutrition session and we watch what made friends and has connected with we eat now. She wants to do yoga them since on Instagram,’ Amy said. 10 Health Services news
School ambassador Following his first time at Camp Footloose, 12-year-old Alexander Pistevos stood in front of his class at school and explained his condition to his classmates. Alexander’s mother Enza was amazed at his confidence and willingness to talk about his uveitis which is arthritis that affects the eyes.
‘Alex was blind in one eye for a year and had an ocular lens implanted in late November. He has to wear sunglasses all the time as his eyes are sensitive to light and he was picked on for this at school, which gave him low confidence,’ Enza said. ‘He was very anxious about going to the camp Alexander Pistevos Cooper Sirianni and kept asking “why are you doing this to me?”’
Enza found the school teacher information pack on the AONSW website and forwarded it to his teacher, telling her about the camp. ‘She thanked me for it and then suggested he talk to his class about his condition,’ Enza said. ‘He had always hated talking about it because it made him different, but he did it and afterwards all his classmates asked him questions.’
Alex found session on nutrition relevant because he now understands that his medications can contribute to potential weight gain. ‘He came back full of knowledge about nutrition and portion sizes. He said the drugs he takes make him eat more than he should,’ she said. ‘As well as all this, he loved the yoga and relaxation Julia Armand Paige Breen class, and bonding with others.’ Research project with me too. She’s been tested since children like her,’ Jacquie said. ‘She is the camp and is currently in remission so proud of herself for climbing the AONSW has recognised the and she asked me: “Does this mean I rock wall and she really connected effectiveness and popularity of can’t go back to Camp Footloose?” I with the camp volunteers who have our children’s camps and has told her she still had arthritis and she arthritis and with Andrew from commissioned a research project to could definitely go back next year.’ AONSW.’ measure their success and determine new possibilities for their future New friends Julia was diagnosed with arthritis at direction. The research team attended age 7 when a twisted ankle didn’t Camp Footloose 2018 to develop an Eleven-year-old Julia Armand made a heal. ‘She has a lot of anxiety as a impact model that will enable more great new friend at Camp Footloose, result of her condition. Her symptoms accurate reporting of the program’s a child who undergoes the same are well-managed but the treatment is outcomes. For a summary of the Camp treatment of bi-monthly injections. painful,’ Jacquie said. Footloose report, turn to page 21. Julia’s mother Jacquie said that this was Julia’s first time at Camp Lindy Sivyer Footloose. ‘She loved it, she had a Marketing & Campaigns Co-ordinator great time because she loved meeting Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW
11 Health Services
a weight to help strengthen your (RNS). Toni had been swimming laps, Keep moving in 2019 muscles while you exercise. followed by water exercises four times a week for many years and found it Our Warm Water and Strength & The warm water classes are held in beneficial for the osteoarthritis in her Balance exercise classes have begun six locations across Sydney and one in knee. However when she added the for Term 1 and members are full of Wollongong, our most recent venue. Strength & Balance program to her praise for the positive impact the exercise regime she really noticed the regular exercise is having on their lives. difference and no longer needs to Member Roslyn Large, who has Walking unaided use a walking stick. ‘About halfway osteoarthritis in her knee, attended Our Strength & Balance classes are through the term I noticed that I the warm water classes at Mowll now well established after being didn’t need to use my stick anymore Village for six months in 2018 and has piloted in 2018. Participants can to walk. I pride myself on that. I have recommenced the class this term. ‘The attend classes at the YMCA Epping decided to keep on with the classes, classes help the mobility of my knee or the Royal North Shore Hospital I’d do anything to prevent having a and stop it from stiffening up. I can do Community Health Centre. The classes knee replacement,’ Toni said. more if I keep the exercise going and were developed by Arthritis NSW it’s easier for me to exercise in water,’ based on research that a combination For class venues and times go to page Roslyn said. of land-based and warm water 30. exercise gave optimum results. The role of the warm water in your Lindy Sivyer exercise class is two-fold: not only Member Toni Fitzpatrick found this to Marketing & Campaign Co-ordinator does it soothe and support your be true when she attended Strength Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW body, it also offers resistance to your & Balance classes in Term 4, 2018 movements, acting somewhat like at the Royal North Shore Hospital
The benefits are: Each of the eight sessions focuses Community education on a different aspect of managing • a better understanding of their arthritis, with the content adapted to disease – the causes and affects Following AONSW’s delivery of the profile and needs of the audience, whether that be a retirement village, community education sessions at • knowledge about self- young people facing the challenges various venues across Sydney and in managements strategies rural areas in 2018, the health services of juvenile arthritis, or a local special team has developed a structured • skills and tips on how to interest group. implement self-management program of community education that Organisations interested in booking strategies focuses on Living Well with Arthritis. education sessions for their members Health Services Manager Andrew • opportunities for peer education or staff are encouraged to visit our Cairns said that community-based and support website at www.arthritisnsw.org.au/ education programs played an health-services/education-programs/ • ability to connect with the health- important role in promoting the community-education-sessions/ and trained facilitator for further effective self-management of to complete the online Expression of referral chronic health conditions such Interest / Booking form. as arthritis. ‘When delivered by a • evidence-based and consumer For more information call 02 9857 3300 trusted organisation such as Arthritis friendly information resources for or email [email protected]. NSW, there are multiple benefits for ongoing reference participants,’ he said. Sharon Knight • confidence and motivation to Marketing & Communications initiate beneficial life-style change. Manager Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW 12 Nutrition Easy food swaps
Weight management is one of the key your heart, and can help lower your elements to living well with arthritis. cholesterol. A simple way to improve your diet but not give up your favourite meals is to Mashed potato for mashed try some healthy food swaps. Making cauliflower: Cauliflower mash small changes is the easiest and most has become a popular substitute achievable way to lose weight. Swap: for mashed potatoes, as the white vegetable is less heavy and starchy. It Milk chocolate for dark chocolate: doesn’t taste all that different either! Dark chocolate contains less than half the sugar of milk chocolate. Milk White rice for brown rice: Brown chocolate is roughly 255 calories per rice has several layers and is nutrient- Fizzy drinks for water: Ditch fizzy bar while dark chocolate is 70 calories. rich. If brown rice is further milled to drinks for water, and you will find remove the bran and top layers, the you lose weight quickly and feel less Canola oil for coconut or olive result is a whiter rice. This white rice is bloated too. Fizzy drinks contain a oil: Olive oil is still universally simply a refined starch that is largely high level of sugar which can damage acknowledged as one of the healthiest removed of its original nutrients. The your teeth, and syrup – which could oils to cook with, and coconut oil is fibre in brown rice makes it better cause you to develop diabetes. You hot on its heels and is popping up in for digestion and it also makes your can jazz up water with fresh lemons or recipes. stomach feel fuller more quickly. limes.
Pasta for spiralled vegetables: Cheddar cheese for cottage cheese: Cappuccino for white tea: A Cutting out starchy pasta is a great 100 grams of cottage cheese has 98 cappuccino contains 150 calories, way to lose calories from your meal. calories compared to standard cheddar whereas a cup of white tea is only 3 There are around 392 calories in which has 402 calories. calories. So if you still want caffeine one serving of pasta. But don’t say as a pick-me-up in the morning, try goodbye to spaghetti bolognaise – just Ice-cream for Greek yoghurt: Swap swapping your coffee for white tea. try it with zucchini spirals. after dinner ice-cream treats for Greek Later, you could try swapping white yoghurt with some berries or a little tea for calorie-free peppermint or White bread for brown bread: honey. The protein in the yoghurt will green tea which contain antioxidants Flour is more processed in white bread fill you up and the sweetness of the and act as an appetite suppressant. than it is in brown. Removing the berries and honey makes it a delicious bran in white bread also removes key and healthy dessert option. Turn to page 22 to discover the smart nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, swaps for a healthy BBQ. healthy fats, protein, and fibre. There Couscous for quinoa: Quinoa is a are 73 calories in one slice of brown simple swap for rice and couscous. Source: healthymummy.com bread, and 79 in one slice of white. Not only is it a delicious gluten-free ‘grain’ option for any meal, quinoa is Granola for porridge: There can be high in protein and although we eat it 225 calories per serving in a bowl of like a grain it is actually a seed. granola. But porridge only has around 150 calories per serving, is better for
13 Condition focus Psoriatic arthritis Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints and develops in roughly 30 percent of people who have psoriasis1. Left untreated, the condition can cause permanent joint damage. For people who have or suspect they may have PsA, it is extremely important to work with a rheumatologist to find the right treatment plan.
What is psoriatic arthritis? • nail changes — eg. the nail Mild psoriatic arthritis is sometimes separates from the nail bed or referred to as oligoarticular, meaning Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic, becomes pitted, mimicking fungus it affects four or fewer joints in the inflammatory disease of the joints infections body. Severe psoriatic arthritis is often and the places where tendons and referred to as polyarticular, meaning it ligaments connect to bone. The • redness and pain of the eye affects four or more joints. immune system creates inflammation (uveitis) that can lead to swelling, pain, fatigue There are locations that are more There is little connection between and stiffness in the joints. common for people to experience psoriasis severity and PsA severity. psoriatic arthritis symptoms: PsA can start at any age, but often Having a severe case of psoriasis does not necessarily mean you will have a appears between ages 30 and 50. For Spondylitis refers to inflammation severe case of psoriatic arthritis. You most people, it starts about 10 years of the spinal column. The main could have few skin lesions but many after psoriasis begins. While it is less symptoms are inflammation with joints affected by arthritis. common, people can develop psoriatic stiffness of the neck, lower back and arthritis without having psoriasis. sacroiliac joints. Spinal arthritis makes Genes and environmental factors are PsA locations joint motion in these areas painful and both thought to play a role in the Psoriatic arthritis can occur anywhere difficult. onset of the condition. that you have a joint or where your ligaments and tendons connect Enthesitis refers to inflammation of Symptoms to bone. Your rheumatologist will entheses, the site where ligaments PsA can develop slowly with mild consider how many joints are affected or tendons insert into the bones. symptoms, or it can develop quickly before determining a treatment plan. Common locations for enthesitis and be severe – each case is different. Even a small number of inflamed include the bottoms of the feet, the Early recognition, diagnosis and joints, however, can have a profound Achilles’ tendons and the places treatment of psoriatic arthritis is key impact on pain and function and where ligaments attach to the ribs, to prevent or limit the extensive joint factors into the treatment decisions. spine and pelvis. It is unique to PsA damage that occurs in later stages of and does not occur with other forms the disease. Some people may develop PsA in a joint after an injury – which may appear to be a cartilage tear.
Here are the common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis:
• fatigue • tenderness, pain and swelling over tendons • swollen fingers and toes that sometimes resemble sausages • stiffness, pain, throbbing, swelling and tenderness in one or more joints • reduced range of motion • morning stiffness and tiredness
1. Psoriasis is a common skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells. It causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form scales and red patches that are itchy and 14 sometimes painful. Psoriasis is a chronic disease that often comes and goes. of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis Treatment What you can do or osteoarthritis. Enthesitis can make the tissues in the affected area Though there is no cure, there are 1. See a rheumatologist. A become ropey – known as fibrosis treatments available to help stop rheumatologist can diagnose psoriatic – or solid – known as ossification or the disease progression, lessen arthritis and make sure you get the calcification. pain, protect joints and preserve right treatment to help your symptoms range of motion. Early recognition, and prevent future problems. If you Dactylitis, or ‘sausage digits’, refers diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic have psoriatic arthritis and have not to inflammation or swelling of an arthritis are critical to relieve pain and seen a rheumatologist, ask your entire finger or toe. It happens when inflammation and help prevent joint doctor to refer you. the small joints and entheses of damage. the surrounding tendons become 2. Learn about psoriatic arthritis and inflamed. Dactylitis is another Your rheumatologist will tailor your play an active role in your treatment. distinguishing indicator of psoriatic treatment to your symptoms and Not all information is trustworthy arthritis. Typically, dactylitis involves how severe your condition is. There so always talk to your doctor or a few fingers and/or toes, but not in is no way of predicting exactly which healthcare team about treatments you a symmetrical pattern – PsA affects treatment will work best for you. are thinking about trying. different toes and fingers on different Your doctor may need to trial several 3. Live a healthy life. Stay physically sides of the body. different treatments before finding the one that is right for you and may active, eat a healthy diet, stop include medicines, such as: smoking and reduce stress to help Diagnosis your overall health and wellbeing. Your doctor will diagnose psoriatic • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory arthritis from your symptoms and a drugs (NSAIDs) 4. Learn ways to manage pain with physical examination. Your skin will exercise, heat and cold, massages, be examined for signs of psoriasis, if • disease-modifying anti-rheumatic relaxation and taking care of your you have not been diagnosed with drugs (DMARDs) joints. See box. this already. There is no specific test • biological DMARDs. for psoriatic arthritis. However your 5. Acknowledge your feelings and doctor may order blood tests for For more information see the seek support. As there is currently no inflammation, such as the erythrocyte Australian Rheumatology Association’s cure for psoriatic arthritis, it is natural sedimentation rate (ESR) test. Patient Medicine Information to feel scared, frustrated, sad and Blood tests may also help to rule sometimes angry. Be aware of these out other types of arthritis. If your feelings and get help if they start doctor suspects you have psoriatic affecting your daily life. arthritis you should be referred to a Sources: psoriasis.org/psoriatic-arthritis rheumatologist. Arthritis Information Sheet: Psoriatic Arthritis, © Copyright Arthritis Australia 2007. Reviewed December 2017
Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW has a range of information sheets on the different types of arthritis (including psoriatic arthritis) their symptoms, medical treatment and ways you can self-manage your condition. To access the full range visit arthritisnsw.org.au/about- arthritis/types-of-arthritis/ or call 02 9857 3300.
15 Support Community backs call for JIA funding
online profiles of our Camp Footloose • Write to your local MP teenagers, AOSNW launched a petition on social media, asking our • Write to NSW Health Minister: The Facebook followers to sign and share Hon. Brad Hazzard, MP, GPO Box to spread the word and create a 5341, SYDNEY NSW 2001 groundswell of support. • Write to Shadow Health Minister: The Hon. Walt In less than a week the petition Secord, Parliament attracted more than 800 signatures, House, Macquarie Street, SYDNEY an encouraging sign for an issue NSW 2000 which needs immediate attention. At time of print, more than 1500 people Sign our petition and share on had added their support. your social media: The petition will provide details on the issue that you AONSW CEO Sandra Vincent can include in your correspondence said that NSW was falling behind to the contacts above and links to both international guidelines and how to share on social media. Here benchmarks in other Australian is the link address: arthritisnsw.org. states when it comes to the diagnosis Late last year, Arthritis & Osteoporosis au/2019/01/21/petition/ and care of juvenile arthritis. ‘The NSW called for the NSW Government condition is more common than to significantly increase funding and Leanne Hinden childhood diabetes and affects more education for doctors and nurses Social Media & Digital Marketing than 3000 children in NSW,’ she said. treating juvenile arthritis. Co-ordinator Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW If you would like to help raise The media picked up the story and, awareness of and attention to this after two ABC TV interviews and some issue you could do the following: Rural program heading to the outback Thank you to the many donors who The Rural Health Initiative 2018 ended forum. There was a general increase in have given generously to our latest its run in November with our stand memberships to support groups and Rural Health Appeal. The more money at the Albury Show, followed by a AONSW generally. we raise, the more places we can visit. presentation on exercise and nutrition. An evaluation of the whole program If you would like to donate to our ‘We are still planning this year’s reported that all five community Rural Appeal visit arthritisnsw.org. program but we know that it’s education sessions were rated highly au/support-us/current-appeals/rural- important to take our messages by participants. In addition, feedback health-appeal-2019/ or call about living well with arthritis to new from the Macksville event confirmed 02 9857 3300. audiences and we will achieve that that there had been new referrals Janine Robertson by going further afield than last year,’ to physiotherapy and occupational Health Services Project Officer said Health Services Manager Andrew therapy as a direct result of the Cairns. Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW
WORKPLACE GIVING Support Camp Twinkletoes Did you know that you can give regularly to It’s hard to believe that it’s almost time for Camp Twinkletoes 2019. The AONSW through workplace giving? It’s so camp will be held in May to help families of children from birth to eight easy as your payroll department will organise years suffering from juvenile arthritis. it for you. Your donation is also pre-tax so it will cost you less than the amount we The costs of the camp are high, however AONSW has contained the fees receive, eg. if you donate $5 it will only cost to ensure the event is accessible to all families. We are asking for your help you $3.38 while AONSW will receive still $5. to sponsor the shortfall between the fees and actual costs per person. This keeps administration costs down as well.
To donate visit: arthritisnsw.org.au, call us on 02 9857 3300 or complete To set it up call 02 9857 3300 or email the donation form inserted in this issue of Arthritis Matters. [email protected].
16 Alliances Finding new pathways Retirement villages Following our successful program delivering education for workers’ compensation. The incidence rate was three sessions at six retirement villages in the Sydney basin times the rate of all other occupations with around 190 throughout 2018, Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW is looking serious claims made each day. Musculoskeletal disorders, forward to continuing raising awareness of arthritis and its with the most common type being arthritis, are a impact on those who live with the condition this year. serious health problem that make up 15 per cent of the compensation claims.1 As well as education focused on ‘living well with arthritis’, the sessions include information on the services and Regular exercise and stretching improves joint mobility, programs AONSW provides, which are made possible flexibility, muscular strength, posture and balance. Health through the generosity of our financial supporters via Services Manager Andrew Cairns has overseen the donations, regular giving and bequests. production of a series of videos demonstrating stretching and safe lifting techniques which tradesmen can easily We are very excited that the delivery of our education adopt to prevent, protect and reduce the impact of session Managing Arthritis to the residents of retirement arthritis. villages will include those villages in and beyond the Sydney metropolitan area in 2019. The videos can be accessed at youtu.be/AZfr9dvmnZY
If you are a resident of a retirement village or part of For further information call 1800 011 041. the management team, please contact us to receive an 1. safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/infographic-serious-claims-tradies information pack and/or to book a session at friends@ arthritisnsw.org.au. Jo Boik Business Development Manager Support groups Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW Our Support Groups are vitally important to AONSW and their local community because they are the hub of communication with both current and potential members. The groups are made up of AONSW members who have lifelong personal experiences to share with those who have been newly diagnosed. Members of a support group can provide a wealth of information from their own life experiences, a friendly smile and a cup of tea.
Support groups can provide a lifeline to those in the community with arthritis, a condition which can restrict sociable physical activity, resulting in isolation and loss of connections. Fold, Pack, Travel.
For information on meeting times and dates, as well as Whether you are cruising, locations of your nearest group, please contact AONSW flying or driving. at [email protected] or visit arthritisnsw.org.au/ membership/support-groups/ This portable scooter folds up in just 20 seconds. Working with CSR Gyprock Last year, CSR Gyprock and Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW got together to educate tradespeople on how to maintain better health and work practices.
Tradespeople, especially those in the construction and manufacturing industry, are susceptible to developing arthritis due to the physical and demanding work they put their body through each day. The project informs plasterers of the best practices to help prevent and manage the condition with the aim to prolong their career and improve general wellbeing. 1300 622 633 According to Safe Work Australia, between 2010–2011 www.scootersAus.com.au and 2014–2015, tradies made up 30 per cent of Australia’s workforce, but represented 58 per cent of serious claims SCA33002
17 SCA33002 ScootersLuggieAdv_131x90mmW_ArthMatters.indd 1 15/2/18 12:05 pm Relationships
Handle with care
If you look after someone who has a chronic illness, such as arthritis or any other musculoskeletal condition, then you may be considered a carer. This person may be your child, parent or other family member, partner or a friend. It can be an equally challenging and rewarding role and, rest assured, you are not alone.
The Australian Government has a • personal growth and new skills Changes comprehensive website dedicated to the • being acknowledged and Circumstances can change when many carers who look after loved ones. you are caring for someone. The Carers are extremely valuable members appreciated by the person you care for, and by family and friends health of the person you are caring of our society, contributing across the for might worsen. Their condition facets of family, health and community. • sharing the fun times, and might become more complex. You Read on for some practical advice and being there for successes and might notice physical or behavioural reassurance. Visit the website here: improvements. changes. Medicine management can carergateway.gov.au become more difficult. They might Challenges need extra help at home, hospital care New to caring Caring for someone can be hard or residential care. If you’ve just started caring for work and take up a lot of time. It may somebody, it can feel overwhelming. However, the health and condition of change your relationship with the Becoming a carer might have come the person you care for might improve person you are caring for, and limit about gradually. Or perhaps your so they may need less care. While this your freedom and spontaneity. life changed in a day. Whatever is positive, it can be difficult too, since happened, becoming a carer can Sometimes relationships can you might feel less useful than you did change your life in many ways. Some strengthen, but the demands of caring before. of these changes can be positive, mean that they can also become Planning for change is important. You but they might also be challenging. strained. Carers often have to deal can: Everyone’s experience of caring will be with strong emotions, like guilt, anger different. and stress which can spill into other • get help from counselling, respite relationships. care or extra services Rewards Many carers say there are a lot of Many carers feel socially isolated. • contact your local Carers positive aspects to the role, including: Caring for someone means you Association for advice and support might miss out on being with friends, • knowing you are helping someone spending time with family members • ask your doctor for help preparing who needs you and who you care or doing things for yourself. Caring a personalised care plan for the about for someone can affect work and person you are caring for education opportunities. It can also be • a strong relationship between you expensive. You might be entitled to • keep a record of changing and the person you care for carer payments, even if you are caring symptoms and behaviour and and working. show your notes to your doctor. • a sense of purpose
18 Respite for, allowing them to meet other Some services are free; others are not. If you’re caring for someone, you people. The cost of respite care depends on might find it hard to take a break. But the care provider, the length of time • Community access respite – involved, and the type of care. it is important that you do – for both provides activities to encourage yourself and the person you care for. a sense of independence in the You can contact your nearest Respite care is when the person you person you care for by providing Commonwealth Respite and Carelink care for is looked after by someone social interaction. Centre on 1800 052 222 for advice on the types of respite and support else. That can be in their home, or • Residential respite care – a short somewhere else. It might be for just a available in your area. They may be stay in a residential care home for able to help you find the respite care few hours or overnight, or for longer the person you care for. periods. You can choose what is best that best meets the needs of you and the person you care for. for you and the person you care for. • Consumer-directed respite care – a package that gives you more Financial changes Respite care can be provided choice about the type and delivery informally by family or friends, or of respite care. You may be able to claim a carers formally by a respite service. Some payment if you are caring for people may choose respite at home, Carers often worry about leaving someone. If your circumstances while others prefer community or the person they care for. But it is change, however, your rate of centre-based services. important to remember that respite payment might also change. It’s is only for a short period of time and common to be worried about financial Different types of respite services may regular breaks may be important for assistance coming to an end. The be available: you as a carer. Department of Human Services website has information on what • In-home respite – a care worker Consider planning a break in advance. provides care in the home or may you need to do if your circumstances This can help avoid stress build-up. change. take the person you care for on an It can also help to avoid waiting lists outing, or stay overnight. that services may have. However, Source: carergateway.gov.au/caring-for-someone • Centre-based respite – held at a emergency respite may be available centre or club that organises group if the unexpected happens - a major activities for the person you care illness, a bereavement or you need help at short notice.
WE RECOMMEND Daily Living
Aids for Daily Living (ADL) supplies products to people with arthritis to help ease their pain and increase their productivity and independence.
Here are two products that have been independently tested and approved by Arthritis Australia, designed to give very practical help to people with arthritis.
All purchases are backed by a 90-day money back Medicine cap remover Easi-grip scissors guarantee. Remember to $9.90 $39.90 make your purchase through This two in one helper makes it The Easi-grip scissors are extremely easy to remove child proof caps and lightweight with plastic handles the Arthritis NSW website: has added magnification that helps and stainless-steel blades. arthritisnsw.org.au/adfl-shop/ you read the labels. Engineered The continuous loop handle with a series of grooves that marry automatically reopens the scissors up to the most common medicine when pressure is released. As they bottles, the cap remover helps require only a gentle squeeze to you easily open medications and operate them, they can be used vitamins. between fingers and thumb or fingers and the palm of the hand. They can be used either right or left-handed.
19 Daily Living
In this issue, the answers to some of the crossword clues relate to fatigue, which is a common Crossword symptom of arthritis. For information on managing fatigue, visit our webpage at arthritisnsw.org.au/living-with-arthritis/fatigue-arthritis/
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 DOWN
8 9 1. Found in inflamed tissues, these chemicals can be a contributor to extreme fatigue
10 11 2. Therapeutic baths
3. A classic arthritis sign is inflammation and stiffness in 12 13 14 15 these
16 4. Applications
17 18 19 5. Commodity
6. This mental illness is a significant contributor to arthritis-related 20 21 22 fatigue
23 7. Great physical or mental pain
24 25 26 27 13. The essentially total absence of 9 across, which may be mental, physical, or emotional
28 29 14. Sufferers of arthritis-related fatigue may find that even eight hours of this does little to alleviate their condition © Lovatts Puzzles 16. Impermanent (of an illness or 17. Sister’s son ACROSS disorder) 8. Fatigue, pain, and stiffness are 19. Political refugee 18. Inactivity due to arthritis-related classic ... of rheumatoid arthritis 20. Pre-migraine sensation pain may cause ... of the muscles 9. Strength and stamina, which 21. P..... your day will help reduce 22. Individuals who are less physically is commonly lacking in fatigue fatigue ... are at increased risk of sufferers experiencing arthritis-related 24. Question or statement 10. Deteriorate (of a condition or fatigue illness) 26. Lateral epicondylitis is familiarly 23. The release of adrenaline, an known as ... elbow 11. Living with this autoimmune excess of which can contribute to fatigue, puts increased strain on disorder may increase one’s 28. Inaccuracies susceptibility to fatigue, ... this organ syndrome (7’1) 29. It becomes restricted when one’s 25. Deciduous trees limbs are fatigue-affected 12. Ailments, such as lupus or 27. Lacking sensation scleroderma, that contribute to fatigue
15. Getting this regularly, especially before tiredness sets in, should ease fatigue issues at least temporarily
20 Research and medical news CAMP POSITIVELY IMPACTS CHILDREN’S LIVES with JIA that the condition impacts recommended a specific survey tool them physically, psychologically and to measure the health-related quality socially,’ Andrew said. ‘These children of life of children with JIA enabling experience physical pain, worry, anger, AONSW to collect data to provide a negative self-image and feelings of profile and build a platform for this exclusion. vulnerable group of children.
‘We also see them leave at the end CEO Sandra Vincent said that the of the camp in a much happier research was ongoing. ‘We still need and confident frame of mind than to collect data on children with JIA when they arrived, and their parents who have not attended the camp, confirm this as well, because the camp which will provide the baseline Last year, Arthritis & Osteoporosis provides them with education, support information that will be compared to NSW commissioned research to and peers with whom they can share the children who have attended and develop a model to measure the social experiences and understanding.’ demonstrate the impact the camp has impact of Camp Footloose on the lives on the children’s future,’ she said. of the children who attend the five- The research provider, the Social day annual event. Impact Institute, attended Camp Andrew said the research findings had Footloose in October to interview given AONSW a great stepping stone Health Services Manager Andrew parents, children, volunteers and for the social progress they want to Cairns said that the impetus behind AONSW staff over the five days. They achieve. ‘The research verified that we the research was to find a way to also conducted general conversations are addressing JIA correctly within our collect data that showed that there with the children and observed them programs. Now we can use the data had been positive changes in the during activities. to make the government more aware physical, psychological and social and pro-active in consideration of effects of juvenile arthritis (JIA) on the Survey tool juvenile arthritis,’ he said. child following their participation at camp. Their report confirmed the impacts Lindy Sivyer that JIA has on children and the Marketing & Campaigns Co-ordinator ‘We already knew through our benefits that Camp Footloose Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW own delivery of services to children provides them. The researcher also
Priority 5: Optimise decision-making Osteoarthritis strategy aligns with AONSW processes leading to total joint replacement surgery and maximise In November 2018, the National AONSW CEO Sandra Vincent said that client outcomes following total joint Osteoarthritis Strategy was launched it was pleasing to see that five of the replacement surgery for people with at the National Osteoarthritis Summit strategy’s six priorities aligned closely severe osteoarthritis. in Canberra in preparation to be to Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW implemented Australia-wide. objectives and Clinical Framework. Priority 6: Implement non-surgical management of severe osteoarthritis The strategy was prepared by the The priorities are: in the community. National Osteoarthritis Project Priority 1: Implement multifaceted Group as a national response to the ‘We are looking forward to the programs to prevent obesity and condition and to outline how our implementation of the National increase physical activity for the limited healthcare resources could Osteoarthritis Strategy as it will prevention of osteoarthritis. be coordinated to achieve optimal optimise the coordination of health outcomes for people. Priority 2: Adhere to joint injury care resources and help achieve optimal outcomes for people living The Group is led by Professor David prevention programs with osteoarthritis,’ Sandra said. Hunter who is the Florence Cope Priority 3: Support primary care Chair of Rheumatology, Chair of the practitioners to deliver high-value care Source: National Osteoarthritis Strategy, Bone and Joint Institute, Professor National Osteoarthritis Strategy Project Group, to people with osteoarthritis, including of Medicine at University of Sydney Osteoarthritis Summit Canberra 2018. increased prescription of lifestyle and the Royal North Shore Hospital interventions. consol.eventsair.com/QuickEventWebsitePortal/ and Consultant Rheumatologist at osteoarthritis-summit-2018/oasummit18 North Sydney Orthopaedic and Sports Priority 4: Improve the uptake of Medicine Centre. evidence-based and affordable, tailored, non-surgical care and support Osteoarthritis is the most common for ongoing self-management by all chronic joint disease and one of the Australians with osteoarthritis. leading causes of pain and disability in Australia and globally. 21 Recipes Healthy BBQ ideas During the warmer months, the classic Aussie BBQ is a popular approach for both entertaining and meals at home. Here are some healthy options that are kind to your joints.
The classic barbecue menu can be problematic for someone The good news is that with these BBQ food swaps you’ll be living with arthritis, or trying to manage their weight. out on the deck, wielding the tongs, and serving up healthy, Between high-fat staples such as creamy potato salad and tasty and joint-smart alternatives in no time. greasy burgers, and inflammation-spiking processed foods like white buns and ice cream, it’s a recipe for an arthritis-diet disaster. STARTERS
Instead of fatty chips and dips, try … • Grilled whole-grain bread, accompanied by a tomato-based bruschetta, white bean puree, hummus and other spreads
• Grilled summer vegetable skewers like zucchini, yellow squash, Spanish onions and peppers.
MAIN DISHES
Instead of greasy meats such as burgers and sausages, try … • Mushrooms marinated in equal parts olive oil, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice. You’ll get immune-boosting nutrients in the mushrooms, vinegar and lemon juice. Plus, studies show that oleocanthal, one of the most concentrated anti-inflammatory compounds in olive oil, may dampen the body’s inflammatory process and reduce pain sensitivity with a pharmacological action similar to ibuprofen.
• Salmon with a splash of lemon and a sprinkling of savory summer herbs. Salmon is rich in omega-3s and vitamin D, which can enhance joint health, boost immunity and protect against inflammation. SIDE DISHES
Instead of mayo-based salads like coleslaw, potato salad and pasta salad, try … • Bean salad – all beans boast fibre, protein and a bevy of anti-inflammatory phytonutrients.
• Sliced tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Choose this tasty summer Caprese salad and you’ll get more oleocanthol and cancer-fighting lycopene.
22 Recipes CONDIMENTS DESSERTS Instead of tomato sauce (which packs two Instead of ice cream, cookies or cake, try … teaspoon of sugar per tablespoon) or mayo (which is relatively high in unhealthy fat), try … • Frozen bananas dipped in 70 per cent chocolate and rolled in coconut flakes. Dark chocolate is loaded with powerful • Antioxidant-packed salsa or pico de gallo*. Weighing disease-fighting compounds called flavanols, which help in at just four to five calories per tablespoon, and protect your cells against damage. Plus, chocolate is rich in zero fat, salsa boasts plenty of nutrients. magnesium, a critical nutrient for bone and joint health.
• Olive oil-based pesto or sundried tomato spread. • Grilled fresh fruits, such as peaches, plums and pineapple, All three ingredients – olive oil, basil and sundried are perfect on their own or with frozen yogurt. (For best tomatoes – are loaded with anti-inflammatory results, grill only one side of the fruit and use high heat for properties. a quick sear).
* In Mexican cuisine, pico de gallo, also called salsa fresca or salsa cruda, is made from chopped tomato, onion, cilantro, fresh serranos, salt, and lime juice. Other ingredients, such as shrimp, or avocado, are also sometimes added. Extracted from an article by Amy Paturel and published at arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/recipes/healthy-grilling.php FISH AND VEGETABLE SKEWERS
Here is another way to add seafood to a BBQ – add bite-sized pieces to your vegetable skewers. Try this version from Healthymummy.com.
INGREDIENTS METHOD • 8 wooden skewers 1. Cut the fish fillets in half so that you have eight pieces of fish (roughly 60 grams each). • 4 x 120 gram pieces of skinless firm white fish such as ling or barramundi 2. Chop up the coriander and mix it with the paprika and orange juice. • 1/2 orange squeezed 3. Rub the fish with the seasoning and let it marinate for an hour in the fridge. • 1 handful fresh coriander 4. When ready, skewer the fish pieces, along with the vegetables, through • 4 tsp mild paprika the thickest part to make a skewer. • 1 zucchini, cut into chunks 5. BBQ or grill the skewers for around 5 minutes on each side. • 1 punnet cherry tomatoes 6. Let them sit before serving. • 1 red capsicum, diced, seeds removed Serve with a green salad or brown rice • Salt and pepper to season Recipe and image from Healthymummy.com 23 Member stories Living well with arthritis Arthritis affects people of all ages and circumstances, impacting not only the person’s health, but also their ability to work and their family dynamics. Thank you to these members for sharing their stories.
Judy, 61, Newcastle Louise, Sydney Judy was in her early Louise’s arthritis journey 40s when she started began 51 years ago with getting pain in her a sudden unexplained lower back and hips. An weakness in her right x-ray revealed she had groin. ‘The doctors had arthritis in her spine. ‘One no diagnosis as blood morning a year later I markers showed no woke up and felt I had inflammation so I was been hit by a truck,’ Judy bed-ridden for weeks said. ‘Another GP sent and missed school,’ me for blood tests and a Louise said. ‘Throughout bone scan, and I found secondary school, I had out I had lupus and arthritis from neck to toe. He didn’t pain in my hips, knees, shoulders and back, resulting in me tell me what type of arthritis I had, he gave me medication having to wear a corset under my uniform during Year 12.’ which helped for a while. In 2015 I saw a rheumatologist who diagnosed my rheumatoid arthritis.’ Louise studied music and English at university to become a secondary school teacher. Unfortunately, her right hip Luckily Judy had her two children in her 20s, so she wasn’t joint deteriorated significantly and she had a total hip raising them while trying to manage her conditions. replacement at age 22, followed by the left hip at age 23. However, she worked in the kitchen of a private hospital where she was on her feet most of the time. ‘I worked for She worked full-time as a music teacher, got married and four or five years after the initial diagnosis but then I had to migrated to Australia in 1986. After settling in Sydney, retire because of the fatigue,’ she said. Louise found a teaching position, sang in a choir and gave piano lessons after school. Her husband was supportive and ‘The pain and fatigue is worse in summer, I get so tired helped with the housework. I can sleep for three hours in the afternoon. I have fibromyalgia as well, which was diagnosed around the However, from a diagnosis of atypical Ankylosing same time. Sometimes I don’t know which condition is Spondylitis, the disease morphed into rheumatoid arthritis. causing the pain,’ she said. ‘My feet, hands and fingers were affected so I couldn’t play nor teach piano. As my spine deteriorated, I had many As far as non-medical treatments go, Judy finds that fusions, resulting in it being too difficult to sing. Eventually, remedial massage alleviates pain and takes magnesium and continuing damage to many joints made classroom vitamin D for her bone health. She does exercises in the teaching impossible, meaning I was forced to retire early,’ pool and walks in cooler weather. Louise said.
For eight years, Judy has run the Newcastle Support Group ‘Now I attend weekly art history lectures and tutor high which has evolved recently to an informal coffee and chat school students after school. I’m a keen theatregoer and group. ‘People feel isolated with arthritis and its good attend concerts. After a fall at home in 2014, when I for them to come along and have a chat. It has been so broke my right femur, I use a forearm walking frame and a beneficial for me,’ Judy said. ‘I would hear others’ stories wheelchair. and feel that I was going through the same thing. We understand each other and give each other support and ‘I’ve taken many medications but 40 years of cortisone company.’ means that I have osteoporosis. I eat a calcium-rich diet and omega-3 foods. After many joint replacements and revisions, I stopped counting them! I’m blessed with a devoted husband, outstanding medical care and doctors. What more could a girl want?’
24 Member stories
Laura, 33, Sydney Oscar, 11, Canberra Laura lives in Sydney ‘Hello, my name is Oscar with her husband and and I am 11. I live in their two children aged 3 Canberra with my family. and 1. She first realised I have a brother called something was wrong Felix aged 6, and a sister in May last year when called Matilda aged 9. I she developed ankle have oligoarticular juvenile pain. ‘After seeing a arthritis but am really physio for a few weeks, lucky to only have it in my it was getting worse knees. rather than better. I was eventually diagnosed ‘I was 8 when I was in October with arthritis - different doctors refer to it as diagnosed with arthritis. My parents and I were alerted to spondyloarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or seronegative something being wrong when my left knee started hurting arthritis. It’s inflammatory, it’s auto-immune, and it’s at random times for no reason that we knew of. I have painful,’ Laura said. been on many different kinds of medicine throughout the past three years and have had three big needles in hospital ‘We don’t own a car and rely on public transport and with laughing gas (it’s funny). walking to get everywhere. For almost six months last year, I was in considerable pain due to severe inflammation in my ‘I just take methotrexate every week now and I’ve been foot, and we were very limited in what we could do. It was great for the past six months and my arthritis does not very difficult to care for my children, which was upsetting really affect my life in any way. When my knees are bad and frustrating. We tried to find activities close to home or I can’t walk, so I use crutches or a wheelchair. It doesn’t public transport that were interesting and manageable, but bother me too much, I still have fun with my friends. it feels like I really missed a lot of quality time with my kids. ‘I went to Camp Footloose last October and that was fun ‘I’m thankful that I had my wonderful and very hands-on too. The only bad thing about Camp Footloose is that it’s husband to take care of the kids, and to take care of me. only once a year. I wish it was more often because I have so I felt helpless, not being able to stand and walk and help much fun with my arthritis friends. with housework or children, but whenever I got upset about this, my husband was very supportive in reassuring Here is a photo of me in my vegetable garden, I love me that it is okay for me to rest. I also had my colleagues at gardening but find it hard when my knees are sore.’ work offer to perform the more walking-intensive parts of my job for me (even the pregnant woman helped out!).
Laura began taking methotrexate in October. ‘While I’m finding the side effects unpleasant, overall it has vastly improved my quality of life. I am able to walk much more comfortably which is a huge relief. I’m starting warm water exercise classes soon, and am hoping this will help me regain some fitness without causing pain.’
25 Health
Preventing falls
As people age, their chance of falling week and vary in routine. Arthritis & Have your eyes checked regularly by increases. Each year, about a third of Osteoporosis NSW runs a Strength & an optometrist. As we age it becomes people aged over 65 experience a fall. Balance exercise program designed harder to: For people with osteoporosis, even a to help individuals with arthritis and minor fall can cause a fracture, so it osteoporosis to develop strength, • see obstacles, uneven footpaths is important to avert them wherever improve overall fitness and improve and edges of steps possible. A first step in prevention is confidence. For class details see page understanding the major causes of 30. • see spills on the floor falls, which are: • see well in poor light and cope A physiotherapist can help with a with glare • poor muscle strength falls prevention program such as undertaking supervised resistance • adjust to sudden changes in light. • poor vision training to strengthen muscles and doing balance exercises such as heel- If you get new glasses, it will take time • problems with balance to-toe walking and Tai Chi. to adjust to them, so be extra careful.1 • home hazards which lead to tripping. Vision check Stability A doctor can review any conditions Muscle strength Poor vision can contribute to a potential fall. According to the such as low blood pressure or inner Strength building exercises such as NSW Department of Health, eye ear problems which may cause balance progressive resistance training (lifting conditions such as cataracts, macular issues, or medicines that may cause weights that become challenging degeneration and glaucoma can dizziness. They may also evaluate your over time) are recommended to increase your chances of having a diet as poor nutrition can contribute to address poor muscle strength or fall. Tell your doctor if you notice any light-headedness. prevent muscle wastage. Exercise changes to your eyesight. must also be regular, at least twice a
26 Health Balance exercises Tightrope walk This is a useful home checklist: This exercise needs a hallway that has • install handrails on steps and in An important way we can avoid falls a firm floor. and injury is by improving our static bathrooms beside toilet, shower and bath (stationary) and dynamic (moving) • In a standing position, place one balance skills. According to AONSW hand against the wall to maintain • place non-slip strips on stairs and Health Service Manager Andrew balance. Walk forward slowly, with non-slip mats in bathroom Cairns, the following exercises targets your feet moving heel to toe as if static and dynamic balance, helping you’re on a tightrope. Look directly • ensure rooms and stairways are to improve strength and coordination. ahead as you walk in a straight well lit Please start slowly with each exercise, line. and ensure you follow the safety tips. • ensure edges of rugs and mats are Work up to performing two to three • As you become better at this flat or remove altogether repetitions of these exercises every exercise, try it without a point of • secure electrical cords and remove other day.2 contact. loose cords from walkways
Safety tips Side step • ensure regularly used items in • Stand with your feet together and 1. Wear comfortable and close-fitting kitchen are within easy reach clothing. Avoid pants that are too keep your knees slightly bent, not long or wide at the ankles, which locked. Place one hand against the • maintain paths around the home. may cause tripping. wall to maintain balance. Bone strength 2. Wear shoes that have a high back • Slowly step to the side with one collar for adequate ankle support; foot, and then bring the other foot As well as the measures you can take a firm sole and a heel less than one to join. to help prevent falls, maintaining inch: those with stability issues may strong bones is important in lowering • Continue sidestepping for 10 to 15 find that the thicker flared sole of your risk of fractures. To reduce further steps in each direction. an athletic shoe can cause tripping bone loss and your risk of fractures: on carpet. • As you become better at this • take your osteoporosis medicine as exercise, try it without a point of 3. Maintain contact with a wall or directed contact. stable chair when you first start the • follow advice about adequate exercises or if you continue to feel Modified grapevine walk calcium, vitamin D and exercise unsteady. • Stand with your feet together, knees slightly bent. • decrease your alcohol intake 4. If you are at high risk of falls, conduct these exercises in a safe • Cross your right foot in front of the • stop smoking environment under supervision. left, continuing this pattern as you move to the left for 10 to 15 steps. • stay informed – discuss your Standing balance Repeat in the opposite direction, bone health with your doctor, • Stand with your feet shoulder- crossing your left foot over the pharmacist and physiotherapist width apart on a hard surface with right. and visit the Osteoporosis a hand touching a point of contact Australia website and Arthritis & in front or to the side. Flamingo stand Osteoporosis NSW website for • Stand facing a wall with your feet information: osteoporosis.org.au • Maintain this standing position as shoulder-width apart and both and arthritisnsw.org.au you slowly count to 25. As your hands outstretched and touching balance improves, practice this the wall. Sources: exercise without touching your 1. activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/assets/pdf/3- point of contact. • Slowly raise one leg, and hold for a falls-prevention-eyesight-october-2012.pdf count of ten. Repeat with the other 2. aaptiv.com/magazine/exercises-improve- Advanced standing balance leg. As you improve your balance balance-after-60 • In a standing position, bring your with the exercise, try it without Reference: feet together and try to maintain touching the wall. To increase the your balance as you slowly count to What you need to know about Osteoporosis: difficulty, close your eyes as you Consumer Guide, Osteoporosis Australia, 4th 25. Work toward performing this hold your raised leg. edition 2006/2017 exercise without a point of contact.
• For the next level, bring one foot Home hazards in front of the other, heel to toe, An occupational therapist can conduct and hold for a count of 25. Work a home audit and suggest important toward performing this exercise changes to the home environment. without a point of contact, and They may recommend walking aids. when you master that, try it with your eyes closed. 27 Health
Swimming builds strength Lap swimming is a wonderful low-impact sport for people with arthritis. It works all your muscle groups and builds cardiovascular endurance. It also stretches and lengthens your body, improving your posture.
Water can have a gentle, soothing effect on the body. Tips Swimming laps can be very meditative; there is no • Since swimming is a non-weight-bearing exercise, pounding music, no clanging weights – it’s just you and the you will need to add a weight-bearing exercise water. The support of the water and the lack of joint impact to your overall fitness routine to strengthen your make swimming a good choice for people who are unable bones, particularly if you are swimming to manage to undertake high-impact activities, such as running. osteoporosis. Modifications • Swimming lessons are helpful if you need to learn Specific modifications will depend on your joints affected correct technique, form and body positioning to lessen by arthritis, but you may consider the following: joint strain. Just remember to start slowly and increase the time, distance, • Warm water pools are not ideal for lap swimming. A intensity and speed at which you swim as you are able. pool that is too hot will increase your blood pressure more rapidly than if you are in a cooler pool. Source: arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/exercise/arthritis-friendly/lap- swimming.php • Each stroke uses different joints in different ways. You will have to choose which is most comfortable for your affected joints.
• Swim equipment, such as kickboards and pull buoys, can help you modify your strokes. Discount on Speedo swimwear
Speedo is once again offering our members a 20 per cent discount across the entire Speedo range until 30 June 2019.
Simply enter the promo code AONSW20 when shopping online. Visit speedo.com.au to access the online catalogue. The discount excludes Fastskin race suits and cannot be applied in conjunction with any other offer.
Speedo Linear_White-Red Logo.pdf 1 16/02/2016 12:16:33 PM
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28 Support network Find help, guidance and support through our local networks
Location Who to Contact Meeting Place Meeting schedule
Bathurst SG Nelma 0431 829 709 Bathurst RSL, 114 Rankin St, Bathurst 2nd Thursday 10am
Challenge Enterprises, 93 Guy St, Cnr of Redlands Rd, Corowa SG Heather 02 6033 4393 1st Wednesday 1-30 Corowa
Cowra SG Christine 0427 423 596 Upstairs, Calare Building, 103 Kendal St, Cowra 1st Tuesday 2pm
Dubbo SG Heather 02 6887 2359 “Sporties” 101 Erskine St, Dubbo 2nd Thursday 10am
Hawkesbury BR Julienne 02 4574 1928 Windsor Library, 300 George St Windsor 3rd Tuesday 10am
Holroyd/Merrylands BR Michelle 02 9631 7363 Merrylands RSL 14 Military Rd in the coffee shop 4th Wednesday 10am
Brentwood Village Auditorium, Scaysbrook Dr, Kin- Kincumber SG Jeanette 0418 226 891 4th Friday 10am cumber
Nareen Gardens Retirement Village, 19 Bias Avenue, Long Jetty SG Liz 02 4332 5245 1st Thursday 10am Bateau Bay
Macarthur SG Charmaine 0423 500 066 Campbelltown Library, Hurley St, Campbelltown 1st Wednesday 10am
East Maitland Bowling Club, New England Hwy, East Maitland District BR Veronica 02 4966 4649 1st Thursday 10am Maitland
Newcastle SG Judy 02 4088 3146 Mayfield Ex-Services Club, 58 Hanbury St, Mayfield 3rd Monday 1pm
Nowra SG Gary 02 4423 3633 Café Continental, 3 Stewart Place, Nowra 1st Thursday 10am
Pink Orchid Café, 16-18 Busman St (odd months); Last Tuesday of the month Parkes SG Sandra 02 6863 4904 AOG Church Hall, 7 Rees Ave (even months), Parkes 10am - Meet bi-monthly
Penrith BR Jan 02 4722 5940 CWA Rm, Cnr Tindale St & Castlereagh St, Penrith 2nd Wednesday 930am
Ryde SG Doris 02 9817 7470 Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club, Ryedale Rd, West Ryde 4th Thursday 1pm
Rules Club, Cnr Fernleigh & Glenfield Roads, Wagga Wagga SG Lorraine 02 6926 3203 1st Thursday 1pm Glenfield Park
Warilla/Shellharbour BR Sheila 02 4296 1340 Warilla Bowling Club, Jason Ave, Barrack Heights 3rd Thursday 1pm
Woy Woy SG Heather 0423 017 450 Woy Woy Bowling Club, North Burge Rd, Woy Woy 3rd Tuesday 10am
BR – Branch SG – Support Group
For further meeting details, please contact the person listed or refer to our website at arthritisnsw.org.au/membership/support-groups/
29 Events calendar
March 2019 Mowll Village, Anglican Retirement Village, Castle Hill Volunteer Kidsflix: LEGO Movie sequel Monday 1.30pm Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW is March 9, Hoyts Warrawong Tuesday 1.30pm and 2.30pm grateful for the support of our March 16, Hoyts Bankstown Thursday 1.30pm and 2.30pm wonderful volunteers who help us deliver our services and keep our Community Education Session: Karonga School, Epping office running smoothly. We are ‘Arthritis, Osteoporosis and Saturday 8.00am always keen to hear from people Maintaining Mobility’ interested in volunteering with us, 10am – 12.30pm March 20, Lane Cove Physiotherapy, particularly in the following areas: Sutherland Shire Council Lane Cove Tuesdays 1.30pm • fundraising activities Wednesdays 12.30pm April 2019 Thursdays 5.00pm • keeping our database up to date Camp Twinkletoes (date and venue to be confirmed) St Lukes Hospital, Potts Point • phoning members, support groups Wednesday 12.30pm and branches to update our Saturday 9.00am records May 2019 Saturday 10.00am Kidsflix:Pokemon Detective • helping to prepare for Camp Pikachu Royal Rehab, Ryde/Putney Twinkletoes and Camp Footloose May 18, Hoyts Erina Tuesdays 4.00pm • helping with Kidsflix registration Saturdays 10.00am and check in. June 2019 Physical Therapy, Wollongong Please call us on 02 9857 3300 if you Kidsflix:The Secret Life of Pets 2 Mondays 10.00am are interested in helping us in any of tbc Wednesdays 6.00pm these areas. June 29, Hoyts Blacktown Fridays 10.00am
Crossword solution
© Lovatts Puzzles Lovatts ©
T N E B T S
Warm water exercise Strength & Balance S
R E R R M V M N E E T O S O
A I E L I Classes operate during the NSW E Epping YMCA, Epping U
E T N N E E T N E I N S C
Public School term. The following class Mon and Wed 10.00am S
H K S C times are subject to availability. To Mon and Wed 11.00am S
A A R P L A N N N I U register your interest, visit our website G
A E E A S at arthritisnsw.org.au/warm-water- RNSH Community Centre, O
N E P E H W E E M I E R
exercise to complete and submit the St Leonards G
N X L T C
form or call us on 02 9857 3300. Tues and Thurs 2.00pm S
D I A E E E R T S S S S
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Canterbury Hospital, Campsie U W R E N E R N O S S G O S
Monday 12.00pm (women only) J T A I E P S
Wednesday 1.30pm O M T Y P M N E R Y E S O S G
R D A C S J U
30 What legacy will you leave behind?
Your gift is about making a difference in the lives of those impacted by arthritis and its effects.
With one in four adults and one in 1,000 children in the state affected by this condition, we have extended our community education reach into rural NSW. Our programs create awareness of ways to prevent arthritis and to spot symptoms early for better health outcomes. Our annual camps help reduce the isolation experienced by children living with juvenile arthritis and give them a safe space to have fun in a supportive environment. Our gentle exercise programs – warm water and strength and balance classes – help keep people active and moving, building muscle strength and core stability, which reduces overall pain.
Our work helps people to manage their condition on a daily basis.
Leaving a gift in your Will is a very personal decision, and perhaps the greatest commitment you can make to help create opportunities and contribute positively to life changing services and to make a difference in someone’s life.
Thank you for your support and helping us to move closer to Freedom from Arthritis.
For further information about leaving a gift in your Will, or to have a confidential conversation, please call 02 9857 3300 or email: [email protected] or visit our website at www.arthritisnsw.org.au/support-us/planned-giving-bequests/
31 www.arthritisnsw.org.au
Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW Arthritis Infoline: 1800 011 041 Locked Bag 2216 Phone: 02 9857 3300 North Ryde NSW 2113 Fax: 02 9857 3399
Authority to fundraise CFN12845 Sign up for our monthly eNewsletter: eepurl.com/9rFd5 ABN 64 528 634 894 Facebook: facebook.com/ArthritisNSW