INFORMATION

Free Public Information Sessions

As part of its mandate, AWISH provides regular public information meetings with professionals working in the field of arthritis and rheumatology.  When scheduled, these are announced in our seasonal activities pamphlets, our website, our quarterly newsletter, various local newspapers and on posters displayed in many public buildings such as libraries, hospitals and medical offices. 

The information sessions are held on the first Sunday of a month, eight times a year. For specific dates click here to view our current activities.  Some previous guest speakers and topics include:  

• Dr Mary-Ann Fitzcharles - Rheumatologist
  Coping with the pain of Fibromyalgia

• Dr William Fisher - Orthopaedic Surgeon
  Back pain from a surgeon's perspective

• Aneline Jacques -  Psychologist and Mariam Odayar - Social Worker
  The Constance Lethbridge Rheumatology Program
  Chronic pain and depression

• Connie Cuffaro - Nutritionist
  Nutrition for Arthritis

• Dr Bruce Garfield - Rheumatologist
  Osteoarthritis - symptoms and treatments

• Hilary Porter - Kinesiologist
  Deep tissue massage

  
  

Community Outreach Program            

This program, developed by AWISH members, aims to educate the general public about the better-known forms of arthritis and provides information on managing the disease.  Given by our volunteers, the presentation is interactive and involves the audience.  Included are descriptions of some of the more common forms of arthritis, tips on exercise and pain management, demonstrations of handy aids to ease daily tasks and an overview of AWISH and the services we provide.  The presentation lasts approximately 90 minutes and, as it is portable, can be presented in almost any location, including schools, community halls, libraries and businesses.  Anyone interested in seeing the AWISH presentation should contact our office - there is no charge for the presentation.

We also often have information booths at various shopping plazas, company health fares and other community service events.

Rendez-vous

Since September, 1997 and in recognition of Arthritis Month, AWISH has organized Rendez-vous, which is designed to inform the arthritis and general communities of the various services and resources available in the West Island and neighbouring areas.  This all-day, public service open house event with renowned guest speakers, health care professionals, demonstrations and community service and health information booths, is always well received by the community and attended by hundreds.  Rendez-vous events are held usually every second, even-numbered  year when there is sufficient funding.

Symposium on Arthritis

On occasion,  AWISH organizes a Symposium on Arthritis which includes lively presentations and information tables.

Free Literature

For anyone wishing to find out more on a specific form of arthritis, AWISH provides packages with pertinent information and articles on the disease. These information packages can be requested by email or by calling our office.

Created for AWISH by Patricia McManus, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Copyright 2009