September 2024 has officially been declared Arthritis Awareness Month in Portage la Prairie, aiming to shed light on a condition that affects millions of Canadians. City Councillor Terrie Porter made the announcement on behalf of Mayor Sharilyn Knox and the City Manager Nathan Peto, encouraging residents to reflect on the impact of arthritis.
“Every year during September, we reflect on the number one cause of disability in the country, which affects one in five Canadians. According to the Arthritis Society currently right now, there are 6,000,000 Canadians and counting that have some form of arthritis and over half of whom are diagnosed before the age of 60.”
Porter emphasized that arthritis is not just an issue for the elderly, as it can strike at any age and manifests in more than 100 different forms, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
This month, the city aims to showcase healthier lifestyles to manage and prevent arthritis symptoms. Porter suggested simple changes, such as incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like olive oil, leafy greens, fatty fish, and berries.
“We will be promoting different diets and foods through different organizations. You'll probably see little pop-ups here and there about arthritis. You don't have to be that full-fledged runner, just go out and do that casual exercise. I like to go out and play golf. It just limbers me up in the morning after a little bit of gardening.”
With blue as the official ribbon colour for arthritis awareness, Porter hopes it will serve as a reminder of the importance of understanding this condition and supporting those who live with it.
Keep up with the City’s initiatives by visiting their website.