Wellness Seminar 

"CHRONIC PAIN - HOW CAN I LIVE WITH IT?"

Wellness Seminar - October 24, 2012 By Barbara McDole

Dolores Hebert, chair of the Wellness Committee; Bonnie Hopps, Joanne Healey, Arthritis Society presenters; Peggy Prendergast. Inset: Kaleigh McCallum, representative for "Age Friendly Manitoba".

The RTAM Wellness Committee hosted another very well received seminar dealing with the topic of 'chronic' pain.The presenters for the day were the dynamic and vivacious duo, Bonnie Hopps and Joanne Haley from the Arthritis Society. Not only have they both had personal experience with arthritis, but they were very knowledgeable, humorous and interactive. The day began with explaining just what exactly arthritis is and the fact that there are over 100 types of arthritis.To keep things simple,arthritis is divided into two categories: Osteoarthritis (OA), also referred to as degenerative arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), also known as inflammatory arthritis. OA occurs when the cartilage covering and protecting the ends of the bones begins to wear away. This causes bone on bone movement and stiffness, swelling and pain.This arthritis is not just limited to the elderly. RA is an autoimmune disorder in which a person's own antibodies can attack internal organs as well as the tissue in the lining of the joints. RA usually affects men and women ages 30 - 60, but is twice as more common in women than in men. Within 30 years, 1 in 7 Canadians workers will be diagnosed with RA and if left untreated, 50% of people will become disabled! As with any other disease that we are trying to protect our body from, practicing good health habits, such as exercise, weight management, healthy food choices and sufficient hours of sleep helps stave off arthritis. Coping with pain, anger, fatigue, depression, frustation and stress is all part of having contracted any disease. Throughout the day, Bonnie and Joanne demonstrated how to manage and cope with the effects of arthritis. Practical ideas on simple physical exercises were excellent! "Gizmos and gadgets" were presented. Things that we can use to manage fatigue and cause less stress on our joints, such as using copper pipe insulation on handles (toothbrush) to make them lighter and bigger, using a resting or working splint, wearing supportive shoes, long handled mops and shovels, levered taps, shoulder bags instead of hand held ones, push heavy objects rather than pulling them, put as many things as possible on wheels, elevated toilets, use two hands instead of one, organize your chores so as to save trips, time and energy. Delegate chores to others to help you out and plan ahead! The Buckingham Butt Buffer Easy Wipe got rave reviews from people who have experienced having their right hand/shoulder out of commission for a period of time! The handout materials were very informative. If we are diagnosed with arthritis, it is up to us to be informed. Know your options and fight it! The Arthritis Society is hosting:

"a Christmas Carol Breakfast"

Friday, December 7, 2012, for arthritis research. For more information call204-942-4892.

Information booths with excellent handouts serving seniors were: 1. A&O (Age and Opportunity) Support Services for older adults Michelle Roy 204-956-6440 2. Age Friendly Manitoba Kaleigh McCallum 204-945-6565

Bernice Stebbing, our travel expert, also had numerous handouts to "wet" our appetites, now that "you-knowwhat" is about to descend upon us.

Thanks to: "All Occasions Catering" for the delicious lunch

Donated gifts for draws: Matt Burym, Bernice Stebbing, RTAM Wellness Committee; Lydia Heshka for helping the committee; Peggy Prendergast for knowing all the resources available to us in Manitoba.