JointHealth™ express July 14, 2010
Call to action!
The Globe and Mail recently published an article on the overriding lack of accessibility to rheumatologists in Canada. Carly Weeks’ article “Access to arthritis specialists an issue” points out that nearly 60% of Ontarians living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) do not have “timely access” to a rheumatologist. A recent report published by St. Michael’s Hospital, the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences and Women’s College Hospital in Toronto decried the “undertreatment” of arthritis in Ontario and throughout Canada. The shortage of specialists coupled with the myth that RA is merely a part of aging result in a failure to recognize the seriousness of the disease, leading to a lack of proactive treatment.
With a proactive approach to treatment, we can prevent needless disability for millions of Canadians. This has to start with access to sound medical advice from a rheumatologist. Therefore, it is crucial that we debunk arthritis myths and advocate for better access to physicians and treatment options.
This is a call to action for our members and subscribers with arthritis, their friends, and family. Write your local elected official and include the Globe and Mail article. Highlight the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, the growing numbers of people living with it, and the shocking lack of accessibility to specialists.
Be a voice for change; get involved.
Call to action!
The Globe and Mail recently published an article on the overriding lack of accessibility to rheumatologists in Canada. Carly Weeks’ article “Access to arthritis specialists an issue” points out that nearly 60% of Ontarians living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) do not have “timely access” to a rheumatologist. A recent report published by St. Michael’s Hospital, the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences and Women’s College Hospital in Toronto decried the “undertreatment” of arthritis in Ontario and throughout Canada. The shortage of specialists coupled with the myth that RA is merely a part of aging result in a failure to recognize the seriousness of the disease, leading to a lack of proactive treatment.
With a proactive approach to treatment, we can prevent needless disability for millions of Canadians. This has to start with access to sound medical advice from a rheumatologist. Therefore, it is crucial that we debunk arthritis myths and advocate for better access to physicians and treatment options.
This is a call to action for our members and subscribers with arthritis, their friends, and family. Write your local elected official and include the Globe and Mail article. Highlight the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, the growing numbers of people living with it, and the shocking lack of accessibility to specialists.
Be a voice for change; get involved.
Arthritis Consumer Experts
ACE thanks Arthritis Research Canada (ARC) for its scientific review of ACE and JointHealth™ information and education programs.