September is National Arthritis Month

According to the Arhritis Society of Canada, arthritis—a term that includes more than 100 diseases and conditions—affects 4.6  million Canadians, more than half of whom are under the age of 65.   A cross-section of some of these are listed here:

Sjogren's Syndrome

Psoriatic Arthritis

Lupus

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Juvenile Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Still's Diseases

Mixed and Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Diseases (MCTD/UCTD)

Arthritis can strike anyone at anytime so this is definitely not just a factor of aging and for our own benefit we should make sure we try to stay informed on what is a growing concern for all Canadians.

For more information on the types mentioned and other forms of this condition the Arthritis Society of  Nova Scotia  has a very good site featuring the latest in research, webcasts, patient education and an  "Ask an Expert" blog hosted by a doctor with 30 years experience in Rheumatology.

Using your library card you can also access our Health and Wellness and Cochrane Library  databases for information on conditions and research.  The library also has several titles on the subject of arthritis that are available for checkout. 

Patricia Milner, Head of Reference Services