Prolonged programme to help arthritis sufferers

Press, 23 June 1984, Page 9

Prolonged programme to help arthritis sufferers

PA Wellington The Arthritis Foundation has launched a three-year programme aimed at making life more bearable for people suffering from arthritis.

The programme includes grants for research, medical scholarships, and travel fellowships to give people treating arthritis overseas experience. The number of field officers visiting arthritis sufferers in their homes will increase, giving a 50 per cent increase in the time officers can spend with people. More than $200,000 will be spent on welfare in the next year to try and improve the liveskof arthritis sufferers

by providing needs, not luxuries.

The programme of offering post-graduate fellowships in medical and other health services will be continued to encourage more doctors to specialise in rheumatology. Over the next three years $500,000 will be spent on the foundation’s post-graduate education programme, and the foundation will also step up its activities programme.

Local divisions and branches will be encouraged to start water exercise classes and music and art classes, to try to take people’s minds off the pain of arthritis.

Other plans include building up a film tion about arthritis in

schools, and mobile treatment units. These would be properly equipped mobile vans working from a large hospital, visiting smaller communities and towns.

“One of the big problems is that many people with arthritis who feel that nothing can be done just simply stay at home,” said the foundation’s executive director, Dr Ewart White.

“They become virtually house-bound and their condition gradually deteriorates. With encouragement, understanding, and education many of these people can be encouraged to get about more, to exercise properly, to keep mentally alert — all of which improves their physical condition.”