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- Manager - Education & Health Services
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Did you Know?
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Musculoskeletal conditions, of which arthritis & osteoporosis are the most common, are one of the major causes of chronic pain and disability in Australia.(ABS 2013)
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In the 2011-12 National Health Survey,14.8% Australians (around 3.3 million) had arthritis, with prevalence higher amongst women (17.7%) than men (11.8%).
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Of persons with arthritis, 55.9% had osteoarthritis and 13.6% had rheumatoid arthritis. (ABS 2013)
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In the 2011-12 National Health Survey, 3.3% Australians (around 726,000) had osteoporosis.
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1 in 5 women over 65 years of age had osteoporosis compared to 1 in 20 men over 65 years of age. (ABS 2013)
New consumer resource written by Perth medical experts will empower the half million Australians living with rheumatoid arthritis
Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA has published a uniquely Australian book written by Perth medical experts and health professionals for Australians living with rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own healthy tissue, targeting the lining of the joints, which causes pain, inflammation and joint damage.
A debilitating chronic health condition, RA severely affects the daily life of 500,000 Australians and has no known cure.
"The onset of RA can start in one's twenties and be ongoing for the rest of their life. The juvenile form starts at an even younger age," said Dr Joe Kosterich, a Perth-based General Practitioner.
"Despite this prevalence and the impact it has on those living with the condition, until now, there has not been an up-to-date publication that provides factual information about rheumatoid arthritis," said Dr Kosterich.
With numerous recent advances in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the book previously used was outdated, so the solution was for Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA to write a suitable reference guide to accompany their evidence-based RA education program.
Each chapter is written by local Perth medical and health professionals who have expert knowledge on the condition; including a personal perspective from a Perth local living with rheumatoid arthritis.
'A Practical Guide to Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis' provides practical and up-to-date information, including:
- Coping with fatigue and flares
- Latest treatments available (surgical and medical)
- Medications
- Self-management techniques
- Complementary therapies
"It is increasingly being recognised that the most underused person in the healthcare team is the patient.
"The more knowledgeable and therefore more empowered the individual, the better they tend to do. This book provides them with knowledge and power." said Dr Kosterich.
