Painkillers and heart attack risks
You may be aware of recent studies that indicate an increased heart attack risk for people taking commonly prescribed painkillers. These studies highlight a significant challenge for people living with arthritis.
Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and diclofenac play a very important role in relieving pain and enabling people to participate in work and family life but, like all medications, come with some risk.
If people have any concerns about their likely risk, we would urge them to speak with their GP, pharmacist or talk to one of our Arthritis Educators by phoning 0800 663463 before taking any drastic actions like stopping taking their medication.
It is important to note that the risks identified are negligible for people who buy over these medications over the counter and use them as instructed for a short time.
Read MoreExciting new partnership
Exciting new partnership for Arthritis New Zealand
Arthritis New Zealand is delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with Bupa Care Services New Zealand from June 2013.
Arthritis New Zealand and Bupa Care Services have many shared goals, clients and initiatives for the future. There are a growing number of Bupa care homes and villages in New Zealand and many residents will have osteoarthritis or another of the more than 140 different forms of arthritis.
With more than 76% of the population aged over 75 1 living with arthritis, the opportunity to work alongside Bupa Care Services is a positive step for Arthritis New Zealand, says Chief Executive Sandra Kirby.
Arthritis New Zealand members will be able to access services provided in the Bupa Retirement Villages and join other residents for events. In addition our team of Arthritis Educators will provide clinics and seminars to residents on a variety of techniques to learn more about their condition, manage arthritis pain and ensure they continue to live active lives.
“Bupa’s purpose is to help people live longer, healthier, happier lives and the partnership with Arthritis will help us achieve this,” says Margaret Owens, Director of Independent Living. “We are delighted to be able to bring the resources and education services to our residents due to this partnership.”
Because it’s not ‘just arthritis’ this partnership will be a win-win relationship that will benefit many New Zealanders.
Read MoreTaranaki Region – Educational Grant/Scholarship 2013
An educational grant / scholarship fund is available to eligible youth throughout the Taranaki region. $3000 is available for the 2013 year.
A grant/education/scholarship will be considered for students attending secondary/tertiary institutions. Individual grants will be no less than $1000 with a maximum available of $3000.
Conditions of Application:
- To be eligible students must have medical confirmation regarding one of the various forms of arthritis.
- Application information as required by Arthritis New Zealand must be provided.
- A scholarship will be considered from those applying for assistance while attending approved full-time tertiary institutions or whilst in Year 13.
- Other students may apply when attending a special course or special needs programme of benefit to the student.
- Each recipient, agree if requested to take part in public appearances as an Ambassador for Arthritis New Zealand, in the year that they receive the funds and subsequent years. Every effort will be made to ensure this will work for both the student and Arthritis New Zealand.
- More than one scholarship may be granted in any one year.
- Recipients who have been awarded a grant/education scholarship in the previous year may also re-apply.
- Recipients agree to provide a report back on their achievements at the end of study year/ course/ programme.
Arthritis New Zealand reserves the right to award only one scholarship of no more than $3000 or to award more than one scholarship.
Application forms can be obtained from Arthritis New Zealand returned to Midland Central Regional Manager, P O Box 10-020 The Terrace, WELLINGTON 6011, or click here to download.
Applications close 7 June 2013
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Possible Dangers of Wheat Bags
There has been recent publicity over the possible dangers of Wheat bags
Wheat bags provide relief to many with arthritis but care needs to be taken.
As with any product involving heat, there is a danger of fire and a risk of injury to you if you do not use it properly.
Before you buy a wheat bag
Buy wheat bags with clear heating instructions. Choose wheat bags which include a manufacturer’s contact details in case you have a problem.
Manufactured wheat bags
Wheat bags available in shops usually contain buckwheat. It is important to follow the recommended heating time to ensure the bag doesn’t overheat, cause a fire, or burn you.
Homemade wheat bags
Homemade wheat bags can pose a greater fire and injury risk because the moisture content and volume of these bags is not known, and the proper heating time can’t be recommended. The use of a type of wheat other than buckwheat may increase the risks of overheating, fires, and burns.
Using wheat bags safely
Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Don’t over-heat (the recommended maximum is three minutes for manufactured bags).
Watch for an over-cooked odour, a smell of burning, smoking or charring. Do not use the bag if you observe any problems – contact the manufacturer.
Do not leave the microwave unattended when heating a bag.
Add water to reduce the fire risk
Continual heating and drying of the wheat bag may overheat it to ignition point. When heating it in a microwave, place a cup or bowl of water in with the wheat bag to reduce this risk.
Adding oils to wheat bags creates an added fire risk. If you add oils to wheat bags, over time you will saturate the cover cloth and create an added fire risk to the existing danger of overheating and fire.
Don’t cover or leave in the sun
If the wheat bag is kept insulated after initial heating (for example, placed under bedclothes, or on a car seat in the sun), spontaneous heating can then occur and the wheat may catch fire.
Leave to cool in a safe area and on a non-combustible surface, like a kitchen sink.
Do not store the wheat bag until it is cold.
Use wheat bags for their intended purpose only
Use only as a heat pack for direct application to the body. Don’t use wheat bags as bed warmers.
Do not reheat the bag until it has completely cooled – which may be two hours after initial heating.
For further information refer to:
www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz
Volunteers with hand Arthritis required for research project
The Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, AUT University are looking for people with painful hand arthritis to participate in a research project.
To find out more information click on the link below or contact Rosalind Parker at the Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, AUT University:
Phone: 0211247028
Email: rosalindsarahparker@gmail.com
or contact Dr Gwyn Lewis:
Phone: (09) 921 9999 ext 7621
Email: gwyn.lewis@aut.ac.nz
Survey to Assist the development of our Strategic Planning
Arthritis New Zealand is undertaking a survey to assist the development of our Strategic Planning for the next three years.
We welcome your thoughts by clicking on the following link.
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