Winter 2009

Member-built.  Member-driven.  New CAPA website works for you!

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! read more | comments

ACTION ITEMS

The Consumer Advisory Council needs you

Do you have arthritis? Are you interested in arthritis research in Canada? Do you want a voice in research decisions? If you answered “yes” to all three questions, the Consumer Advisory Council of the Canadian Arthritis Network is interested in you. read more | comments

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Attitude and action:  A winning combination

As the old year ends, CAPA milestones are upper most in my mind. Fall 2008 delivered a lot of good news. A CAPA member received an honourary doctorate and our CIHR grant application was successful. But our most recent achievement represents the spirit of CAPA. It is our new and independent website at www.arthritispatient.ca. read more | comments

COMMENT AND PERSPECTIVE

Jean Légaré, PhD - Consumer “Extraordinaire”

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. read more | comments

Arthritis consumers walk the talk

Arthritis consumers were integral to the success of the Canadian Arthritis Network’s Annual Scientific Conference - Moving Forward Together - held in Toronto in October 2008. read more | comments

Arthritis pain and you

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? read more | comments

Inside the briefcase: Take a look

• Registered Disability Savings Plan
  The federal government is offering a first of its kind Registered Disability Savings Plan to assist families in planning for long-term financial security. In-depth information about the RDSP is available at 1-800-O-Canada or on-line at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. The deadline for contributing to the RDSP for 2008 is March 2, 2009.

• Alcohol in moderation may keep disabilities at bay
  Researchers at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine told that light to moderate consumption of alcohol may help prevent the development of physical disabilities that can cause problems such as walking, dressing and grooming. The researchers say, “Light to moderate drinkers in good health had a lower risk for developing new disabilities compared with both abstainers and heavy drinkers."

• Federal health minister commits support to Drug Safety and Effectiveness Network
  CAPA applauds the federal government decision to continue its support for the Drug Safety and Effectiveness Network. The DSEN strives to improve knowledge about the real world safety and effectiveness of drugs.

TELLING IT LIKE IT IS

Jean Légaré accepts honourary doctorate on behalf of Canadians living with arthritis

On Saturday, November 8, 2008 Jean Légaré received an honourary doctorate from Laval University. He has graciously provided CAPA with a copy of the speech he delivered to the honoured guests who assembled to witness the bestowing of the honour. read more | comments