 Challenging
Arthritis is our innovative self-management
program consisting of four interactive
modules:
- Coping with
Arthritis This topic focuses on how your emotions
and self-confidence can influence the
way you cope with arthritis. The coping
strategies in this module help to improve
self-esteem and encourage effective communication
skills.
- Managing Pain Pain
is the most widely reported and difficult
symptom to manage in arthritis. It is
important to be well-informed about pain
management. The many strategies in this
module will help you to develop a pain
management plan.
- Exercise Exercise
is of vital importance in the overall
management of arthritis. It not only
helps to relieve stiffness but can save
the joints from deformity. This module
helps you to develop an exercise plan
that suits your condition. However,
in the case of exercise as a self-management
strategy, the old saying 'slow and steady
wins the race' applies.
- Stress Management
and Relaxation People with arthritis
not only face the stresses of daily life,
but also have additional stresses of
pain and varying degrees of loss of mobility
and function. This module introduces
you to the A (awareness), B (balance)
and C (control) of stress management.
Managing stress contributes to a healthy
lifestyle but it takes time and practise
to learn.
It is designed to help people with arthritis
improve their overall health and quality
of life. The program provides the knowledge
and skills to make informed choices.
The program is flexible in that it is
available in two formats:
- On the internet
- Using a handbook
On joining the program you can choose
the format most suitable to your needs.
The Challenging Arthritis package includes:
- User ID and Password for the internet
- Interactive diary to record your progress
- Handbook if required
- Audio relaxation CD
- Website download files CD
- Arthritis information sheets
Joining is easy across Australia. Simply
call Arthritis NSW on 1800 332 131, or
go to www.challengingarthritis.org and
download the application form. The program
is free to existing members of Arthritis
NSW and ACT. If you're not a member, the
program will cost individuals $30.00 and
pensioners
$15.00. On payment of this fee, 1 year's
free membership is offered to join the
state Arthritis organisation in NSW, ACT,
QLD, WA, SA or Tasmania.
 What people say about Challenging Arthritis
"Having been on numerous programs
I have greatly appreciated the opportunity
to
update myself on the new management techniques." - Rheumatoid Arthritis for 27 years
"The managing pain module gave me
more techniques to effectively control
the pain." - Rheumatoid Arthritis for 1 year
"The program was easy to follow and
encouraged me to start hydrotherapy,
weights and swimming." - Spondylosis for 20 years
"The managing pain module made me
realise that I was reluctant to take
pain relief
before exercise. i am now getting more
enjoyment from my Tai Chi class." -
Osteoarthritis for 5 years
"The program inspired me to lift my
level of activity and to analyse my pain
management
in a more constructive way." - Osteoarthritis
for 20 years
"I now regularly complete the exercise
program which has improved the strength
of my lower limbs." - Osteoarthritis for
4 years
"The stress management module encouraged
me to try meditation and now I meditate
every day." - Osteoarthritis for 30 years
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