Let’s keep moving and save health budgets and our joints!

15 February 2013

Let’s keep moving and save health budgets and our joints!

Arthritis New Zealand endorses the reports on the financial burden faced by New Zealand due to physical inactivity.

“Appropriate exercise has been proven to benefit people living with arthritis, as well as having health benefits in general,” said Chief Executive Sandra Kirby. She was commenting on the release of a an independent report by Auckland Council, Waikato Regional Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council, which concluded sedentary lifestyles will be costing the country over a billion dollars a year.

“Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in New Zealand, and exercising regularly helps with weight management, strengthens muscles and cartilage and maintains healthy bones and joints. With the economic cost of arthritis to New Zealand being about $3.2 billion dollars a year, exercising more is one of the easiest ways of helping reduce the burden of arthritis on the country.”

“Members, supporters and staff of Arthritis New Zealand will be participating in the AMI Round the Bays 2013 in Wellington this weekend, to help raise awareness of both arthritis and the importance of exercise.”

Arthritis New Zealand is a national organisation that raises awareness of the more than 140 forms of arthritis, advocates for those living with arthritis; funds research, and provides support through information and advice. There are more than 530,000 New Zealanders living with arthritis.

ENDS

© Scoop Media