Don’t let arthritis disable you

Media Release

2 December 2013

Don’t let arthritis disable you

Tuesday 3 December is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and this year’s theme is ‘Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all’.

Being able to work is probably the biggest single barrier for people with disabilities.

“This is the perfect time to remind people that with the right support and empowerment, people living with arthritis can continue to work and contribute to the wider community,” said Arthritis New Zealand Chief Executive Sandra Kirby.

Musculoskeletal disorders, of which arthritis is the most common, are among the leading causes of disability worldwide often causing people to stop working.

It has been estimated that musculoskeletal disorders are responsible for 21% of the former sickness and invalid benefits in New Zealand and an increasing number of workers taking early retirement.

”Arthritis New Zealand supports the calls for people with disabilities to stay in work, or return to work where possible.”

“There is plenty of evidence that supports the concept that staying in work is good for individuals and for the whole community. However to achieve this will require a change in attitudes – from the government; from employers; from the medical profession and from individuals”. This is the message behind the Fit for Work alliance that was formed this year.

Arthritis New Zealand is the national organisation focussed on raising awareness of the more than 140 different forms of arthritis, advocating for those with the condition, and providing advice and support.

“Accessibility and empowerment for people with disabilities are important priorities for us as we work to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis.”

ENDS

About Arthritis New Zealand

• Arthritis New Zealand is a national organisation whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of people who are affected by arthritis.

• There are 530,000 New Zealanders living with arthritis.

• There are more than 140 different forms of arthritis of which osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis are the most prevalent.

• Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in our country, and there is no cure. It can affect anyone, at any age, at any time.

• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the leading cause of disability in NZ affecting 1 in 4

• In 2009 MSDs accounted for 21% of all sickness & invalid benefit payments

• MSDs cost the economy NZ$5.57 billion each year; Lost productivity accounts for about half of that cost

• Arthritis New Zealand receives only 12 per cent of its funding from government agencies. Without the generosity of our donors and volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to help those who live with the pain of arthritis every day.

• Arthritis New Zealand is the leader in the provision of awareness, education, services and advocacy for arthritis in New Zealand.

© Scoop Media