Answers to arthritis questions a click away at revamped arthritis.ca

TORONTO, Sept. 22, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The online home for Canadians with arthritis just got a major facelift. With more resources, tools and expert access, finding answers is now easier than ever at www.arthritis.ca.

"I was easing into retirement right when I developed rheumatoid arthritis, which left me barely able to function," said Linda Murray of Winnipeg. "I needed answers, solutions to my pain and fatigue, and I found them online at The Arthritis Society. They've been extremely important to me because I need to trust information that will help me manage this disease."

An arthritis diagnosis can trigger a wave of stress and questions that spiral one after the other. Finding support online is now easier than ever with The Society's complete redevelopment of arthritis.ca. The expansion and redesign makes it easier for visitors to find the latest in arthritis education, research, self management and advocacy information based on where they live.

Updated features include:

- Ask an expert: a team of experts in arthritis care, occupational therapy, nutrition, exercise and other areas are on hand to answer questions from the public.
- Online medication guide: a searchable, authoritative guide to all arthritis medications.
- Discussion forums: a community space where people with arthritis can seek answers, share advice and inspiration, and reflect on living with the disease.
- Your stories: profiles of Canadians with arthritis, researchers, the latest news, and much more.
- Pro tools: information and resources for health professionals and researchers.

The launch of the new arthritis.ca is just one of the activities under way this September across the country to recognize Arthritis Awareness Month.

"If you live with the disease, every month is arthritis month," explains Society president and CEO Janet Yale. "These changes acknowledge that simple fact, and set out to improve Canadians' access to the best in arthritis education, resources, inspiration and connection –every day, in every community."

ABOUT THE ARTHRITIS SOCIETY

The Arthritis Society has been setting lives in motion for over 65 years. Dedicated to a vision of living well while creating a future without arthritis, The Society is Canada's principal health charity providing education, programs and support to the more than 4.6 million Canadians living with arthritis. Since its founding in 1948, The Society has been the largest non-government funder of arthritis research in Canada, investing over $190 million in projects that have led to breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with arthritis. The Arthritis Society is accredited under Imagine Canada's Standards Program. For more information and to make a donation, visit www.arthritis.ca.