Nothing brings home the challenges of stiff, achy joints and limited mobility quite like the dampness of a good Oregon winter. We’ve been fortunate here so far in not stepping into that season full boar yet, but we know it’s coming.
Today, awareness is upon those daily challenges for people living with osteoarthritis and all the other forms of arthritis as it applies to their experiences in the workplace. There are a number of bloggers (one fav is Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy ) and other resources speaking on this topic, offering insight, tips, information and additional resources that we strongly recommend everyone read. Even if you don’t have this leading cause of disability in the U.S. (yet), there is undoubtedly someone you know who does and may benefit from you understanding it better.
Two must view links today are:
The Arthritis Foundation website
Their World Arthritis Day page offers up some specifics about today’s event, what osteoarthritis is and the how it is reflected in the workplace. they also offer some extensive resource links for more information.
This is the main website for the event that includes all forms of arthritis and rheumatoid diseases as a whole in their efforts to support patients. Their theme today and for all of 2009 is described below directly from their website:
“This year’s ‘Let’s Work Together’ theme considers the challenges of work, be it paid employment, voluntary work or work at home supporting a family, and embraces people with rheumatic diseases, healthcare professionals and employers.” (Source: World Arthritis Day website)
On their site, they also offer results from the 2009 survey that show:
1) the need in furthering awareness building efforts to continue in the workforce to allow for continued, supported employment options; and
2) state and legislative backing to encourage more adaptable/flexible working environments
The survey is still open and you are encouraged to participate – just follow the link on the page and give your voice to today’s event.
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Even though the spotlight is primarily on arthritis in the workplace, I want to put a shout out for a local PNW event to celebrate and benefit the young patients living with arthritis.
CARRA (Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance) is holding their annual CARRA Costume Ball on Saturday, October 17th in Camas, WA. This event includes food, music, dancing, games and more and is open to all ages. The party will be held at Prune Hill Elementary, 1601 NW Tideland St. from 6-9pm. Tickets are $25 per family and proceeds go to furthering research and support for our young ones who are often overlooked when we think about living with arthritis. Visit their website for more information.
Wishing you all a more flexible and less painful day today – stay warm!
