Communication

Alberta, the richest province in Canada, “ …. recognizes that Albertans want and deserve an excellent health care system that will be strong and sustainable for the future.” so says the Speech from the Throne. However, since the budget’s release in April, health related announcements have moved from the ridiculous to the unconscionable, and are now darn right depressing.

Dr. Brian Bressler, gastroenterologist, and Dr. Kam Shojania, rheumatologist, met with colleagues recently and presented data about inflammatory bowel disease and spondyloarthropathy. Discussion followed that addressed issues related to co-treating these complex illnesses.

Health as a human rights issue, counterfeit drugs, determinants of health in primary care, safety for patients and chronic illness presented by members of the World Health Organization (WHO) headlined the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations workshop in Geneva Switzerland this Spring.

The UCBeyond Scholarship Program, now in its third year, offers eight (8), one-time scholarships of up to $5,000.00 CDN to people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who are entering or currently attending a post-secondary educational institution. Application deadline is June 30, 2009.

Identifying vulnerable populations within a group of conditions as vast as arthritis where people are affected from birth to the grave is difficult but not impossible.

One of the most frequent questions that I get asked by my patients who are about to start Methotrexate is: “What about alcohol”.

The Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance is delighted to announce its brand new, independent website at www.arthritispatient.ca. Naturally, we think it's the best looking, most informative and easiest to use web site anywhere around!

Pain is no stranger to people with arthritis. For those newly diagnosed it arrives like a thief in the night and steals their drive to fully participate in society. For others who have a history of arthritis, pain can be chronic, a condition they accept and live with. All pain ranges from mild to severe. But what does arthritis pain look like in Canada and what should we do about it?

Consumer, patient “extraordinaire”. Jean Légaré grabbed our attention when he became the first arthritis consumer to receive an honorary PhD - doctorat honoris causa - for his contribution to Rheumatology.

Teens are invited to test drive a new web-site devoted to them, their arthritis and the challenges they face managing their arthritis. The site is called ‘Teens Taking Charge: Managing Your Arthritis On-Line’. If you have a story to share, this site is for you.