Arthritis Education & Self‑Care

8-1-1 is a free phone line that provides health information and medical help. They also have language translation services.

Active For Health is an online toolkit of resources to help people living with chronic health conditions be more physically active. This toolkit provides links to excellent resources that support physical activity for different types of chronic health conditions, including arthritis. The website also contains information on healthy eating specifically for people with lupus and gout.

This website hosts a collection of information on arthritis health services and other supports. There is also a calendar with details on events throughout BC.

Educational articles on arthritis and self-care, including some articles specifically discussing self-care for chronic pain and mental health.

Video interviews with Canadian experts in clinical rheumatology, arthritis scientists and patients, physio and occupational therapists, psychologists and health economists.

Educational materials about different types of autoimmune diseases and information on how to cope for patients and caregivers of patients with an autoimmune disease. Includes a list of apps which can help with pain management and symptom tracking. Unfortunately, information on financial supports is only applicable to people living in the United States.

Free telephone and email information and support service. Trained volunteers can answer questions about arthritis, how to manage the disease, and where to access arthritis-related resources. They can also offer support when needed and refer callers to a Peer Listener, who are volunteers trained to lend an ear to those who need someone to listen and understand. Available Mon-Fri.

Arthritis Life has a blog and podcast on how to best take care of yourself and your chronic condition.

The Arthritis Research Education Series takes an in-depth look at specific areas of arthritis research in a user friendly, multi-media format. Examples of topics include employment, understanding healthcare decisions, and cardiovascular disease in the context of arthritis.

Arthritis Research Canada produces a variety of videos each year related to key research findings, knowledge translation, patient stories, and more.

Compilation of many techniques used by APAB members to cope with the everyday challenges faced by people living with arthritis. This guide provides alternate approaches to performing everyday tasks that can help make life tasks a little easier and help protect the joints affected by arthritis.

Monthly conversations that provide education, support, encouragement and resources for people living with arthritis. These conversations cover a variety of topics with a primary focus on how science and research play a role in supporting the physical, mental and emotional health of people with arthritis.

This website has articles, webinars, and online modules about different types of arthritis. There is also information on finding arthritis health care, medication coverage, and financial help.

Articles and videos about different types of arthritis and their treatment, developed by physicians.

CAPA works with various groups in the arthritis community to collect and produce patient resources that help people living with arthritis understand more about their disease and have a voice in managing it. They also have a useful document on how to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic for people with rheumatic diseases.

Provides education and informational support for people with arthritis. Topics include pain management, depression & emotional wellness, and other aspects of self-care. Although they provide a comprehensive overview of drug coverage options, most of this information is only applicable to people living in the United States.

Educational information on various chronic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Each article also contains information on how to connect with the community for that condition, through social media, podcasts, and support groups.

Health Talks combine real-life case studies with health videos that provide an overview of many conditions and treatment options. It also serves as an open forum that connects patients with local practitioners to get answers to their health and lifestyle questions.

This website has information to learn about arthritis, pain management, and mental wellness. It can be translated to Chinese and Punjabi.

This website has a talk show called “AiArthritis Voices 360 Talk Show” led by doctors and patients.

Free education program to help people living with arthritis learn more about their disease and self-management (especially communication strategies with health care providers). Courses are specific to rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

The Leisure Access Program (LAP) provides City of Vancouver residents of low income with free and reduced-cost programs and services at Park Board facilities. Also available to asylum seekers and temporary foreign workers.

Rehabilitation therapists provide education and support for people with arthritis and other conditions. A referral from a doctor is required.

Self-management information for people living with arthritis, covering topics such as lifestyle, medication safety, pregnancy, and therapies.

This section provides ideas that can help people manage their arthritis by keeping a healthy body weight, managing fatigue, getting active, dealing with emotional changes, eating a healthy diet, and managing medications.

This program provides education and treatment for people living with arthritis.

Physical activity exercises for people with various foot conditions.

Free health programs for adults of all ages living with one or multiple ongoing health conditions, offered throughout British Columbia online, by telephone, or by mail. Some of the programs are run by peers or offered in groups.

This website has a podcast that talks about living with chronic illness.

A free tool for people with arthritis to record and track nutrition, physical activity, stress levels, medication, sleep quality, pain, fatigue and more.

Map showing the locations of pools, gyms/community centres, and walking/cycling trails around the Lower Mainland.

Step-by-step resource that offers access to information and recommendations from trusted resources to help young adults with arthritis and other chronic health conditions navigate the working world.

A patient with rheumatoid arthritis shares her tips, strategies, and resources for living with this chronic disease. Articles can be filtered by various topics such as exercise, mental health, and self-care.

This is an outpatient clinic for people with a new diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. There are 3-4 sessions per year, for up to 2 years. A referral from a rheumatologist is needed.

Free education program to help people living with arthritis learn more about their disease and self-management (especially communication strategies with health care providers). Courses are specific to rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

A social network for people living with arthritis. Registration is free, and members can post questions in an online forum. The website also contains MD-reviewed information on arthritis.

Information about rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including living well with RA and mental health. The website also contains a Community Hub where members can post information in a forum and connect with other members living with RA.

Information on rheumatoid arthritis, including links to books, blogs, apps, and other resources to help people navigate life with this condition.

An 8-week education and exercise program for those with stiff and/or painful knees and/or hips, or those with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis. The cost of the program is set by the clinic running it so there may be costs associated with attending.

Free classes taught by an OASIS Educator – a Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Dietitian or Registered Nurse – to help people with osteoarthritis manage their condition.

App for recording and keeping track of symptoms, fatigue levels, moods, etc. Also contains a food diary, exercise log, and medication tracker. Suitable for other chronic conditions as well.

Information on self-care for spondyloarthritis diseases (see “Spondyloarthritis” and “Education” tabs).

Education and self-care information on spondylitis. Also has some virtual support groups and social medial channels which patients can follow, though these are based in the United States.

Education and self-care information on spondylitis. Also has some virtual support groups and social medial channels which patients can follow, though these are based in the United States.

Education and virtual support groups for people with lupus.

Addresses important lupus-related issues including pregnancy, dealing with work, explaining lupus to family and friends, and more.

Booklet and interactive website containing a variety of information on lupus. Addresses important lupus-related issues including pregnancy, dealing with work, explaining lupus to family and friends, and more. MyLupusGuide promotes self-care and offers strategies to help cope with lupus and manage symptoms, side effects, and emotional hurdles.

Education and self-management formation about Sjogren’s. Also offers support groups throughout British Columbia.