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B.C. invests $3 million for arthritis research, prevention

Sept. 16, 2014 – British Columbia Health Minister Terry Lake announced $3 million in funding to the Arthritis Research Centre of Canada that will further developments in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of arthritis.

September 16, 2014  By Massage Therapy Canada staff


More than 600,000 British Columbians are affected by arthritis, which can make even day-to-day tasks painful.

“With
this investment, our government aims to help the Arthritis Research
Centre continue to improve the lives of British Columbians living with
arthritis, as well as reduce the burden arthritis puts on our
health-care system,” said Lake.

With over 100 different forms of
arthritis, and as a leading cause of disability, the impact on the
Canadian economy is estimated to be $33 billion each year in health-care
costs and lost productivity.

“Many people aren’t aware arthritis
can be a debilitating chronic condition that affects people of all
ages, from children to the elderly,” said Dr. John Esdaile, scientific
director of the Arthritis Research Centre. “With further research into
this complex illness, we can work to prevent arthritis, as well reduce
work disability, improve pain management, and address the special needs
of arthritis patients in the province.”

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Though osteoarthritis is
the most widely recognized form of the condition, arthritis can range
from mild forms of tendinitis and bursitis to crippling systemic
disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis. It also includes pain syndromes
such as fibromyalgia and diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

“Arthritis
Research Centre scientists address and answer questions that are
meaningful in enabling patients to keep moving, working, playing and
contributing to life in B.C.,” said Alison Hoens, arthritis patient.

The
Ministry of Health’s HealthLink BC website provides information and
resources for arthritis patients and their families. The ministry also
supports programs to help British Columbians get active, eat healthy and
quit smoking, so they may avoid chronic diseases like arthritis.

The
Arthritis Research Centre of Canada (ARC) was created in 2000 in
recognition of the significant impact research could have on arthritis
treatment in Canada. ARC is a patient-oriented research centre,
conducting clinical research and trials related to arthritis prevention,
diagnosis, prognosis, and quality of life issues.

For more information on the work of the Arthritis Research Centre of Canada, visit: www.arthritisresearch.ca


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