Managing the pain

Number of education programs set to begin as part of Arthritis Awareness Month

The Arthritis Society of P.E.I. will be offering several education programs across the province as part of Arthritis Awareness Month in September.

Starting this month, the society will be offering a new six-week Steps with Seniors program in Rustico on Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m. and in Stratford on Oct. 4 at 1 p.m.

This free program will combine physical activity and education for Islanders living with arthritis. Each program will meet twice a week, include learning opportunities on how to self-manage arthritis and teach participants how to exercise safely and effectively.

The society is also partnering with dieticians at Sobeys to offer a six-week healthy eating with arthritis program in conjunction with the Steps with Seniors program. It will run in West Royalty starting Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. and in Summerside on Sept. 18 at 1 p.m.

Topics will include balancing meals, portion control, label reading and snacking.

For more information or to register, contact the Arthritis Society at 1-800-321-1433 or info@ pe.arthritis.ca.

The society has also announced Making ‘Rheum’ for Arthritis: A Family Effort will return Sept. 19. This monthly program, funded by the United Way of P.E.I., brings arthritis patients and caregivers together with guest speakers to learn about topics related to arthritis and provide support to all individuals affected by the chronic illness. Guest speakers will cover topics such as aqua arthritis on Sept. 19 at 1 p.m., chair yoga on Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. and physiotherapy and arthritis on Oct. 17 at 1 p.m.

The society will also be hosting a free public forum on Oct. 4 at the Rodd Charlottetown from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This event will allow participants the opportunity to learn about services available for Islanders living with arthritis, legal rights to living with a chronic illness and small changes that arthritis patients can make to self-manage their disease.

To register or for more information, call 1-800-321-1433 or email info@pe.arthritis.ca.