Help for Gout Sufferers

Published 19 November 2009, Posted in Northland

Gout is becoming more prevalent in Northland, but Arthritis New Zealand will be at the forefront of fighting this disease in the Northland over the next 12 months.

Arthritis New Zealand has recently gained an important contract with the Northland DHB, specifically to run a Gout Education Programme, with particular emphasis on Northland’s Maori population.

Gout is one of the three most common forms of arthritis, and is also one of the most painful.  Gout is over two times more prevalent in Maori men than in European men and there is growing scientific evidence that Maori and Pacific Island peoples are more susceptible to the disease.  Research suggests that these groups of people have a gene that prevents elimination of excess uric acid, which causes Gout.

There are a lot of myths out there about Gout – that it is all about drinking too much or eating the wrong foods, and that you just have to put up with it! Some foods can trigger gout attacks, but they are not the initial cause. Our message is that you can control Gout, and not have to live in pain or fear of another Gout attack.”

Gladys Cammell and Maggie Philip, Arthritis Educators, will be running community clinics and hui around Northland. They would like to visit marae and rural communities, and welcome any enquiries about their services.

For further information contact either:

Maggie Philip
Arthritis Educator
http://www.arthritis.org.nz
DDI:  09 438 3741
Toll Free: 0800 663 463
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

or

Gladys Cammell                                      
Arthritis Educator                                    
http://www.arthritis.org.nz                                 
DDI: 09 408 2451                                
Toll Free:  0800 663 463                                
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)