NEW PRESIDENT OF ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION OF AUSTRALIA

The Arthritis Foundation of Australia has a new President. Journalist and businesswoman, Ita Buttrose AO, OBE.

Having lived through her daughter's rare form of juvenile arthritis when she was a teenager, Miss Buttrose developed an interest and understanding of the scale of this national health issue, which affects people from as young as a few months' old.

"While my daughter's experience with arthritis sparked my interest in the subject, my work as spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation for the last three years has reinforced my determination to get this health issue on the national agenda. This has been assisted by the Federal Government's recent announcement that arthritis, which affects more than 16.5% of Australians, is now a National Health Priority.

"Too many Australians with arthritis suffer in silence when something always can be done to help them. The Foundation wants people to understand that the best way to live with arthritis is to have a self-management strategy as well as a medical strategy," Miss Buttrose said.

Arthritis has a significant economic impact on Australia. The overall financial cost of arthritis to business is around $9 billion annually. It is responsible for nearly 1.8 million days of reduced activity and about 213,000 days off work or school each year in Australia.

Miss Buttrose said research and raising awareness about arthritis is vital, especially with Australia's rapidly ageing population.

"People are living longer than ever before. With an ageing population, we are seeing a growing burden of arthritis to individuals, their families, carers, social welfare, the labour market and the economy. In order to enjoy their longevity it is essential that Australians maintain good health and that includes managing their arthritis," she said.

"Our Mission is to improve the quality of life of people by reducing and preventing the effects of musculoskeletal disorders. In accomplishing this aim, the Arthritis Foundation of Australia is dedicated to assisting all people in Australia who have arthritis or one of the related conditions, those who care for people with arthritis and people at risk of developing arthritis," Miss Buttrose said.

For more information Phone: 1800 011 041

or Visit: www.arthritisfoundation.com.au

Alternatively contact Arthritis Australia on 1800 111 101 and donate to Trike Around Australia for Arthritis.