It was amazing to watch them acting like ‘Pied Pipers’ as their young charges followed them around. They ensured that everyone participated in the fun activities even if it meant carrying someone down to the hydro slide and back up. This was volunteering to extreme limits and the happy faces at meals were directly a result of these young people’s efforts. We couldn’t have done it without you !

A unique range of Cutting-Edge Assistive Chopping Boards that enables anyone to cut, chop, slice safely and effortlessly. ...

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

Download Application

Lupus is a disease that affects joints, muscles and other parts of the body.

Lupus can also affect the skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system and blood and in particular the immune system.

Lupus is an auto-immune disease, which means that some people with lupus develop antibodies that attack healthy tissues. As a result, different parts of the body become inflamed and this causes pain and swelling. Lupus can mimic other diseases and can be difficult to diagnose.

To find out more information, click here.

YES YOU CAN ENJOY WATER EXECRISE WITH SLIPON® SWIMSUITS The benefits of water exercise is a key way to keep joints mobi...

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

Support the work of Arthritis New Zealand with these gorgeous greeting cards that feature the Arthritis New Zealand orange ge...

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

Matt Lockwood, aspiring V8 race car driver, has Ankylosing Spondylitis. Find out more by clicking here.