 Providing Support and Information for 18 - 45 year olds with Arthritis and their Partners | |||
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ARTHRITIS - NOT JUST AN OLD PERSON'S DISEASE There is still a commonly held perception within the community that Arthritis is a disease that only affects the elderly and is a natural part of the aging process. This is just not true. In Australia alone, 60% of people with arthritis are of working age, 11% of the workforce have some form of arthritis and up to 4 in 1000 children have some form of juvenile arthritis. And many forms of inflammatory arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis) are more likely to develop during early adulthood. The needs and issues affecting people with arthritis vary with different age groups. While there is plenty of support, understanding and programs to help the elderly deal with their arthritis, the needs of children and young adults are not adequately catered for. The aim of the NSW Young Adults with Arthritis Support Group is to provide a fun, friendly and supportive environment for 18 to 45 year olds with Arthritis and their partners, friends, family or carers to meet other like themselves, to share ideas, hints and concerns, enjoy social events without worrying about being judged as different or not being able to keep up and to promote a better understanding of the needs of people with arthritis of all ages.
ARTHRITIS DOESN'T CONTROL MY LIFE - I DO!
While we may look different or walk funny, we are just like any other young adult. We laugh when we are happy and cry when we are sad. We experience the same joys and sadnesses. We fall in love, get married and have children. We finish school, undertake further studies and join the workforce. We travel both here and overseas and have the same desires to experience all that life has to offer. Sometimes it takes us a little longer to do things or we have to do them a little differently but we still do them. With determination, perseverence and a positive attitude, nothing is impossible.
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Copyright 2002 NSW Young Adults with Arthritis. |
