Written by American Standard 2018; Updated on October 15, 2021
According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is the world’s most prevalent disease. For most of us, that fact is shocking. Being aware of Arthritis and the devastating impact that it can have on so many people, is our opportunity to understand important facts about this condition, treatment and prevention, and what you can do to help.
Arthritis is Bigger Than You May Think
While arthritis may not be as life-threatening as heart disease or cancer, it is no small health issue. Arthritis is the most common chronic health condition in Canada.
Arthritis not only costs the 6 million individuals and their caregivers who must live with its effects, it places a tremendous burden on our Canadian healthcare system. Affecting all ages, it interferes with physical and mental health, decreasing quality of life.
Arthritis is On The Rise
As Canadians age, the number of people with arthritis will also increase, furthering impacts on families and our healthcare system. It is projected that today’s 6 million living with arthritis, will increase to 9 million by 2040.
While researchers look for ways to find a cure for arthritis, there are treatments and strategies available today to make arthritis relief easier for you or a loved one.
Reach Out to Loved Ones
The pain of arthritis expands beyond just physical hurt. Many patients feel lonely because their friends and family don’t understand what they’re going through. But just because they haven’t felt the same pain doesn’t mean that they can’t help. If you have arthritis or arthritis symptoms, lean on your loved ones and know you’re not alone. Explain your limitations to those close to you and suggest activities you can do together, such as going for a walk or reading. The Arthritis Foundation has even more solutions for dealing with challenges that arthritis can create in your relationships.
Practice Self-Care
While arthritis compromises physical health, it also impacts mental health, where depression and anxiety are known factors. Dealing with long-term arthritis symptoms can be just as taxing on your emotions as your body. Feelings of emotional distress, including anger are all completely natural. The key to dealing with those feelings is not to ignore them, but to understand and accept them as a part of your own process. It’s important to remember that your emotions can change your perception of your arthritis symptoms, and you have the power to alter your condition.
Self-care practices like therapy, exercise, diet or counseling and arthritis support groups can help you manage your challenges.
Canada’s Food Guide can help you plan meals to ensure that you achieve your recommended intake of protein and nutrients. Some foods help to reduce inflammation and arthritis pain.
Seek Comfort
ComfortSeries™ accessible bathtubs have built-in benefits to specifically target and ease aches and pains caused by arthritis. Designed specifically to provide safe bathing for users with limited mobility, American Standard’s ComfortSeries™ walk-in tubs are Arthritis Friendly, and have been awarded the Ease of Use commendation from the Arthritis Foundation. Our bathtubs are designed specially to be accessible to those who suffer from mobility challenges, to help soothe arthritis pain, and are proven* to make life easier for people with Arthritis and limited mobility.
Features include ADA safety and comfort features, as well as RevitaJet®Hydrotherapy System for soothing therapeutic massages.
*This award recognizes products that make life easier for people with arthritis and other physical limitations. Products undergo a multi-step testing process conducted by an independent lab of experts in the field of universal product design and evaluation.
If you or a loved one suffers from arthritis, consider looking into walk-in tubs to serve as a complement to your arthritis treatment and relief, and consider ways to make your home safer and more comfortable if you are struggling with arthritis pain.
The ability to move freely, dress, bathe, and go about our daily business is often taken for granted, until Arthritis develops. Pain can be life-changing.
Support & education is available through the Arthritis Society among other resources, but consider how you can help someone with arthritis today.
Sources:
Statistics Canada Annual Demographic Estimates: Canada, Provinces and Territories 2020
ACREU: Status of Arthritis in Canada Report
Arthritis Society: arthritis.ca