New arthritis website offers free holistic help
ARTHRITIS Australia, in partnership with the Australian Rheumatology Association, has launched a new online rheumatoid arthritis patient support website.
The free MYRA website provides individually tailored information designed to help people seize control and become active participants in their journey with the disease.
“Everyone’s journey with rheumatoid arthritis is different. Some people are at the starting point, while others have been living with arthritis for decades,” said Arthritis Australia chief executive officer Andrew Mills.
The MYRA website was developed in collaboration with state and territory-based arthritis organisations, and also informed by respected international arthritis peers.
The result is a digital platform that provides a holistic patient-support system.
It covers topics such as symptoms, risks, treatment options, diet, exercise, day-to-day tips, support services and how to manage pain, mental health and fatigue.
It looks at how to build good relationships with healthcare teams and provides updates about COVID-19. The website also links to the National Arthritis Infoline.
Wendy Favorito has lived with rheumatoid arthritis since she was six, and participated in the trials of the website. “It is fantastic that there is now a one-stop shop for robust and reliable information,’’ she said.
Rheumatologist Professor Susanna Proudman says the holistic approach is a game-changer for people with RA.
“Patients may only have face-to-face time with their rheumatologist for a few hours each year and GPS can’t be expected to cover everything outside of that,’’ Prof Proudman said.
More information can be found at myra.org.au, or phone 1800 011 041.