Let’s Celebrate National Pain Awareness Week!
National Pain Awareness Week (NPAW) is scheduled for November 7 to 13 and we have many activities planned to showcase how people with rheumatic diseases live with chronic pain. To start of NPAW, we will be hosting a Twitter chat on November 9 at 7 p.m. ET with Creaky Joints and The Seated View. We will discuss arthritis pain, stigma, and coping strategies. We will also be hosting our first-ever Facebook Live on November 12 at 12 p.m. ET and pleased to welcome back Lene Andersen, an arthritis blogger and advocate and guests Linda Wilhelm and Michael Kuluva. Save these dates and celebrate with us!
What have we been up to?
COVID-19 vaccine third doses – People who are moderately to severely immune suppressed may be eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. We have compiled the information by province so you can understand how to access the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Check out this new resource on our website!
ICYMI: Fashion Show & Instagram Live – We were super busy during Arthritis Awareness Month and co-hosted a Twitter chat before the Tumbler and Tipsy fashion show and held our first-ever Instagram Live. Don’t worry – you can still watch these events on YouTube when it’s convenient for you!
#BaringItAll2021 in the news! In September, we released our report on sexual and reproductive health that focused on better understanding the needs of women+ throughout life, including sexual health, pregnancy, parenting, and menopause. We shared a press release and were invited to speak in the media on Les capés (skip to 21:17) and Ottawa Daytime – check them out today!
The Difficulty of Baring It All: Let’s Talk about Sex – We support many other patient organizations including the youth-led group, Take a Pain Check (TAPC). CAPA board member, Laurie Proulx, wrote a blog post about sexual and reproductive health and the importance of having regular conversations with health care providers. Learn more by visiting the TAPC website!
Get Involved!
Share your views about patient-oriented research! The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has moved to the next stage of consultations and are inviting you to vote and comment on the themes heard. To participate online, please note that you must register (or sign in, if you’ve previously registered) – share your views today!
Patient summit – Save your Skin Foundation is hosting a patient summit about redefining the future of health care in Canada. Learn from various health care leaders, including Linda Wilhelm (who lives with rheumatoid arthritis) who will speak about patient involvement and leadership. Learn more by visiting the summit website!
Stay Informed!
Barriers to accessing the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Ontario – The Ontario Rheumatology Association has been working with the Ontario government to develop a simple process for patients to access the third dose of the COVID-19 dose. Unfortunately, this simplified process has not always been implemented at local public health units and patients are being turned away at vaccination sites. Be sure to call your public health unit ahead of vaccination and let them know of the new, simple process!
Subscribe to our social media channels- We are regularly updating our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channel with new information. Don’t forget to follow us on these social media channels to keep up to date on the latest arthritis and advocacy information!
Taking the Reins: Transitioning from pediatric to adult care – Cassie & Friends will be offering a webinar on Thursday, October 28th (4 pm PST/7 pm EST) focused on juvenile arthritis transitions. The webinar will include a presentation from the JIA Transitions Clinic from Women’s College Hospital and interactive breakout rooms for families to hear youth experiences from across Canada/multiple rheumatology clinics. Get informed and register today!