| For immediate release | 2002-26 |
CALGARY, Alberta - October 24, 2002 - The Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA), one of 13 Institutes founded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, applauds the Canadian Government for its recent endorsement of "The Bone and Joint Decade" calling it a template for the future of health care in this country.
"What Minister McLellan has endorsed is a template for the future of our health care system," said Dr. Cy Frank, IMHA's scientific director. "This template stresses the importance of forming equal partnerships with government and non government agencies, researchers, physicians and consumers alike."
As our population ages, the prevalence of many chronic bone and joint diseases and conditions will continue to increase consuming a far greater proportion of Canada's health care resources. Chronic pain, loss of mobility and function, and loss of independence are common outcomes of a host of musculoskeletal and connective tissue conditions from osteoarthritis, systemic rheumatic diseases, osteoporosis and metabolic bone disorders to periodontal disease, fractures and soft-tissue injuries.
"We know that the incidence of IMHA-related conditions is on the rise," said Dr. Frank, "and that governments and taxpayers are just beginning to realize the impact of these kinds of diseases on their health agendas, systems, services and budgets."
An active member of the Canadian National Action Network of The Bone and Joint Decade International, IMHA supports the goals of the Bone and Joint Decade and is working to sustain health and enhance quality of life by eradicating the pain, suffering and disability caused by arthritis, musculoskeletal, oral and skin conditions.
To this end, IMHA recently partnered with The Arthritis Society (TAS) and the Canadian Arthritis Network (CAN) to launch the Osteoarthritis (OA) Consensus Conference. Since then, the Institute has joined with The Arthritis Society, The Canadian Arthritis Network, the Cochrane Collaboration (Musculoskeletal Review and Back Groups) and the Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance (CAPA) to begin work on a coordinated Canadian Arthritis Plan.
"Today, IMHA's research findings are transforming knowledge; not only in the way musculoskeletal health care is delivered, but also in terms of creating an improved system of health for all Canadians," said Dr. Frank.
At the request of Dr. Jim Waddell, chair of the Canadian National Action Network of The Bone and Joint Decade, The Canadian Institutes of Health Research - Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis, is pleased to join with the following organizations to work on behalf of all Canadians to eliminate these disabling bone and joint related conditions:
The Arthritis Society, The Canadian Rheumatology Association, The Canadian Orthopedic Association, The Canadian Orthopedic Foundation, The Canadian Arthritis Network, The Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance, The War Amps, The Canadian Society of Orthopedic Technologists, The Osteoporosis Society of Canada, The Canadian Physiotherapy Association, The Canadian Chiropractic Association, The Arthritis Community Research and Evaluation Unit - University Health Network, The Cochrane Collaboration (Musculoskeletal Review and Back Groups), The Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Canadian Orthopedic Research Society, The Canadian Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists, The Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine, The Canadian Nurses Association, and The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.
For more information on The Bone and Joint Decade please visit the following:
or contact, Doris Ward, Senior Communications officer, The Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis at (403) 220- 3521.
