Fall 2009

ACTION ITEMS

Every JIA kid should have a YARD

Patients and parents alike are praising the YARD clinic (Young Adults with Rheumatic Disease) at University of Calgary/Alberta Health Services and with good reason. The clinic ensures that the transfer of care from paediatric to adult care is as seamless and stress-free as possible. read more | comments

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Raising arthritis awareness one person at a time

Many people with arthritis are confronted by the lack of public knowledge about arthritis and are constantly trying to dispel the stereotypes. Imagine the revolution if 5 million people who have arthritis in Canada educate only 4 people ... read more | comments

COMMENT AND PERSPECTIVE

With ‘biologic’ use do we still need rehabilitation services?

We push for research to learn more about arthritis. We cheer when research results in a new treatment that reduces or eliminates joint and organ destruction, and allows us to remain employed and relatively pain free. But how often do we stand back and ask if this wonderful 'new' knowledge requires a change to the 'old' way of treating this disabling disease? read more | comments

Alberta health care:  A rant from the front line

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. read more | comments

Co-managing inflammatory diseases: A complex prescription

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. read more | comments

Physical activity in women with arthritis (2009):  Research study results

The study results are in. Canadian women with arthritis who reported being successfully active enough for health benefits said the cause of their success had more to do with themselves not others. view PDF (300.25KB) | comments

WHO is watching over you

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. read more | comments

Inside the briefcase: Take a look

• The British Medical Journal explores transparency in its look at making information about clinical trials publicly available; the effects of rising food prices on improving the world’s supply of food; whistleblowers – where are they now; and a report on Barack Obama’s focus on abstract principles rather than detail which has delayed the vote on US healthcare.

• Available in the Cochrane Library is the result of a systematic review that details the effects of exercise training on the global well-being and physical capacity of individuals with Fibromyalgia.

• People with arthritis, their families, friends and the general public are invited to attend the Roundtable On Arthritis Research. Current research is provided by Arthritis Research Centre of Canada scientists and discussed by patients, the experts who live with the disease.

• COMPASS is a guide to the evolving Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS). It aims to inform the public and update members of Canada’s research community on the Panel’s progress and the evolution of the TCPS. The Agencies (CIHR, NSERC,SSHRC) invite nominations of potential members, with knowledge of or experience in the ethics of research involving humans, to serve on the Panel on Research Ethics. The closing date for nominations is September 18, 2009.

TELLING IT LIKE IT IS

“A constant state of coping” - Teen describes transition to adult care

Growing up with a disease differs from being diagnosed with one later in life. I know because I was diagnosed with JIA when I was a child. I also know that with an increase in outreach programs for transitioning patients more teens like me will succeed and flourish in the next stages of their lives. read more | comments