Making Living with Arthritis Easier

Do you live with arthritis? Arthritis New Zealand, in association with AUT University, hosts a free seminar next Wednesday on making living with arthritis easier.

The seminar is part of AUT’s ongoing arthritis education series which is suitable for anyone who has arthritis, caring for someone living with arthritis or healthcare professionals working in the area.

Speakers at next week’s lecture include Elise Copeland, Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, AUT University and Blanche Farmer (and students), Lecturer in Oral Health, AUT University.

Elise Copeland is a practicing occupational therapist with over 10 years experience specialising in housing modifications and specialist equipment, which can help people with arthritis maintain their livelihoods. She will bring a selection of equipment for people to try at the seminar including a key turner, tap turner, button hook, zipper pull, elastic shoe laces, the One Touch can opener and jar opener as well as the OXO Good Grips can, jar opener and peeler.

Blanche Farmer and three current students are presenting an overview on the two most common oral health diseases - tooth decay and gum disease and how they impact on our health. She will look at the potential oral health effects with arthritis and suggest practical ways to increase control over the effects.

The arthritis lecture series will be held next Wednesday 31 August at the Akoranga Integrated Health Clinic (AD Block) at AUT University’s North Shore Campus from 7-9pm.

Future lectures in the series include:
- 12 October: Exercising with Arthritis
- 16 November: Managing your Medication and Arthritis