Health Matters

Arthritis and You
by Dr. Roland Chiasson
VAC National Medical Officer

Many believe arthritis is a condition that develops as you age. But arthritis affects people of all ages - even infants.

'Arthritis' is a word used to describe more than 100 different diseases and conditions. Symptoms of arthritis range from slight joint pain and stiffness to redness or swelling. In severe cases, joints can become deformed and other parts of your body can be affected.

Arthritis can slow you down and limit your movements. This may weaken your muscles or throw off your balance. Arthritis can also aggravate other physical problems you may have.There are a number of simple steps you can follow to help manage your arthritis and remain active:

Talk with your doctor: Ask your doctor about treatments to relieve your symptoms or to slow down the progress of your arthritis. Tell your doctor about the medicine you are taking so he or she can prescribe the most suitable treatment.

Exercise regularly: The right kind of activity can help reduce your pain, keep your muscles strong, increase your bone mass and control your weight - all important factors in managing arthritis. Always talk to your doctor before you start any exercise program.

Be sure to stretch: Stretching movements can help keep muscles and joints flexible.

Choose low-impact activity: Low-impact exercise is best for people with arthritis. Swimming is helpful because the water supports your joints. The traditional Chinese exercise called 'tai-chi' improves your flexibility and balance. Golf can also be a good choice to improve your range of motion.

Walk: Walking is a fun and simple way to exercise. It also can help you feel relaxed and energetic. Be sure to wear proper walking footwear and clothing. Always tell a family member or neighbour your route and how long you may be gone.

For more information, contact your family doctor or the Arthritis Society of Canada by phone at 416-979-7228, by e-mail at info@arthritis.ca or visit on-line at www.arthritis.ca.

Drug Watch

If you take one or more kinds of medicine on a regular basis, you should always know the names of the drugs you take, their side effects, and how they react with other drugs. Earlier this fall, Canadians were reminded of how important this is when the company that produces Vioxx announced that it was removing the product from the market. Vioxx is a drug used by many people to relieve the pain related to arthritis. But the company found that some people who take the drug for more than 18 months may be at more risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.

If you still use Vioxx, you'll need to ask your doctor to recommend a drug to replace it. If you still have a supply of Vioxx, you should take it back to your drug store. Do not flush unused drugs down the toilet or sink because this could harm your local water supply.

Doctor's Tip: When patients come to see me, I often ask them to bring along all the medicine they are taking. This way if I need to prescribe new medicine for them, I can be sure it is the best one for them!

Flu Alert

Every year, millions of Canadians come down with influenza or "the flu" as it is often called. Flu season generally runs from November to April. Most people who get the flu recover completely but it can be a serious illness for older people, young babies, or those who have certain existing health problems or some allergies.

If you have not already done so, you should ask your doctor if you should get a flu shot. This is the best way to protect yourself from the flu, or to reduce the severity of the illness. You should also wash your hands often so that you reduce the chance of getting infected after touching things that may have the virus on them.

Please visit Health Canada's Web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca to learn more about the flu. On that site, you'll also see a FluWatch section where you can track where the flu is active in Canada.

Please Note: The flu shot only protects you against the influenza virus. It will not protect you against other illnesses such as a cold or upper respiratory infection.

Electric Wheelchair Milestone

George Klein was a scientist from Hamilton, Ontario, and a respected Canadian inventor. Some might also say he is a hero of disabled war veterans. This is because George invented the electric wheelchair.

For George, the quest to build a better wheelchair began when he learned that more and more soldiers of the Second World War had survived their battlefield injuries but were left unable to walk. George was inspired when he heard their stories. He set to work building the first workable motorized wheelchair.

George faced a number of challenges. Previous electric wheelchairs were not safe. Many were too difficult to move and broke down easily. But George wanted to succeed. In 1954, he developed a power wheelchair that included an easy-to-use control throttle and a 24-volt power system. The modern electric wheelchair was born.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the invention of the electric wheelchair. The impact of George's invention is still seen today. Millions of people, including Canada's veterans, can work and live independently using their electric wheelchairs.

Photo Caption: Mr. Klein and his assistant at work on a wheelchair. Photo courtesy of the NRC