Rheumatoid Arthritis Research in Action
Arthritis Research Canada is the leader in clinical arthritis research in North America – this includes research for rheumatoid arthritis! We recognize that research can sometimes be difficult to understand.
That’s why, together with our patient partners, we created the Arthritis Research Education Series. We produce three episodes each year to demonstrate how research leads to real solutions for people living with arthritis.
We’ve put all of our episodes and webinars that are relevant to rheumatoid arthritis on one page as a helpful resource just for you.
Making it Work™: Employment & Arthritis
Arthritis is most often diagnosed between age 30 and 45 when people are in the prime of their working lives. The inability to work has a tremendous impact on a person’s financial, social and emotional well-being. Our scientists have developed a one-of-a-kind, online program, called Making it Work™ to fill this gap in arthritis health care services. The program focuses on early intervention to prevent work disability and foster healthy, productive work lives.
Strong with Arthritis: Strength Training for a Healthy Life
Strength training has been tied to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk for type 2 diabetes, anxiety, depression and more. Yet, around 70% of the general population and 86% of people with rheumatoid arthritis do not do this type of exercise on a regular basis. Individuals living with arthritis face many barriers to participating in strength training. At Arthritis Research Canada, we’re conducting research and developing a toolkit to help people break down those barriers and build strength training into their everyday lives.
HELP! I can’t sleep. Arthritis and Insomnia
At least 70% of people with arthritis experience insomnia. Sleep experts recommend using cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi), which involves learning new strategies and behaviours to promote sleep rather than using medications. However, CBTi is not widely available in Canada. We’re working to change this by tailoring and testing a CBTi program for people with arthritis that is delivered online.
The Care Equation: You + Your Doctor
Navigating a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis can be confusing, emotional and overwhelming. There’s a lot of information to absorb as patients face treatment decisions and major life changes. Discover how Arthritis Research Canada’s scientists are constantly working behind the scenes to ensure people living with different types of arthritis receive the best possible care.
Cardiovascular Disease & Arthritis
People living with arthritis are at the highest risk for heart attacks, strokes and blood clots in the legs and lungs in the first year after diagnosis, when inflammation is also at its peak. Arthritis is most often diagnosed between ages 30 and 45. Arthritis Research Canada is conducting research to understand risk levels across different types of arthritis and to identify ways to prevent or decrease the burden of cardiovascular disease.
Anxiety & Depression in People with Arthritis
Individuals living with arthritis are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression than people without arthritis. We’re conducting research to better understand the prevalence of anxiety and depression in people with arthritis, why this is occurring, and what we can do to address it. Our research seeks to improve the level of care provided to people with arthritis by providing patients with tools and resources to help with their self-care efforts.