Play safely, and reduce your risk of osteoarthritis

17 October 2013

Safety Week 2013:

Play safely, and reduce your risk of osteoarthritis

Arthritis New Zealand Chief Executive Sandra Kirby’s message for Safety Week 2013 is to exercise with care, and reduce your risk of osteoarthritis.

Safety Week 2013 runs from 14 to 20 October. Its goal is to encourage New Zealanders to reduce their risk of injury by: being aware of the need to keep safe during sport and recreation; and taking extra care on steps and stairs. Warming up and cooling down are important as well as listening to your body and dealing with those aches and pains appropriately.

“The most common form of arthritis in New Zealand is osteoarthritis, and a significant cause of osteoarthritis is a joint injury. Injury prevention also becomes arthritis prevention.“

“We encourage people to participate in sport and recreation and generally be physically active. Appropriate exercise has been proven to benefit people living with arthritis, as well as having other health benefits. It helps with weight management, strengthens muscles and cartilage and maintains healthy bones and joints. Exercise is one of the easiest ways of helping reduce the burden of arthritis on the country.”

“But it is important to not overdo it.”

“Keep up your exercise. But play safely, and reduce your risk of osteoarthritis,” Ms Kirby concluded.

ends

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