The Arthritis Foundation Soweto Project officially launched a new Soweto Arthritis Support Group at Central Western Jabavu Oppenheimer.
Purpose of this is initiative is so people living with this joints disease, can be able to support each other, do hand work, exercise and participate in sports.
Chairperson and Trainer of the support group at this centre Lindiwe Mqedlana said in the past year they have managed to get 75 elderly persons from this area.
This includes some seniors from the Soweto Home for the Aged.
“At this centre we take everyone that is affected by arthritis as it does not just affect old people but the youth and middle aged people as well.
“We have education on what this disease is all about because it has different types, hence we encourage people to go to a doctor first so they can be told which type they have.
“It’s also important for our people to know that through exercise and taking proper treatment, you can get better if you have been diagnosed with this disease,” said Mqedlana.
She urged people with arthritis to join support groups in their areas as it will help them to know better about themselves, the condition, treatment, how to live with it while also being active.
