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Fairfield Rotary offers Arthritis New Zealand a helping hand

Tuesday 23 September 2014, 10:53AM

By Rotary Club of Fairfield

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Rotary offers Arthritis New Zealand a helping hand
Rotary offers Arthritis New Zealand a helping hand Credit: Rotary Club of Fairfield

Arthritis New Zealand Annual Appeal  - 23rd to 29th September 2014


This week Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Fairfield in Hamilton will be lending a hand to Arthritis New Zealand by making a collection at the Chartwell Shopping Centre on Sunday 28th September.

Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in New Zealand. Over 530,000 New Zealanders are living with at least one form of arthritis, and it can affect anyone at any time – children, working age or older people. It’s a painful and unpredictable condition, and there is no cure.

“Arthritis is New Zealand’s leading cause of disability for adults”, says Chief Executive Sandra Kirby. We rely on fundraising to allow us to continue offering clinics, seminars and workshops about arthritis, so please help us to meet our goals and continue our much needed work.
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout are the most common forms of arthritis. There are over 250,000 adults of working age living with arthritis in New Zealand. Research indicates that people with arthritis are 5% less likely to be employed than those without arthritis. There are 17,940 people receiving sickness or invalids benefits as a result of musculo-skeletal conditions, the bulk of which will be arthritis.

Arthritis New Zealand provides information on all forms of arthritis through public awareness campaigns, through the 0800 663 463 line and their website. A team of Arthritis Educators, who provide expert advice, help people learn self-management skills, and provide up-to-date information about the various forms of arthritis and the treatments that are available.