Arthritis Affects Super Dads Too

Media Release

Arthritis Affects Super Dads Too

Arthritis New Zealand would like to wish special happy father’s day to those fathers living with arthritis.

One father who knows only to well how arthritis can impact on being a parent is morning breakfast radio host Steve Joll.

Steve, 41 was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in his right knee which was damaged by an old rugby injury. Steve was advised to have surgery to correct the damage: “My specialist told me that if I wanted to run around with my son in five years time I needed to get the surgery done now.”

Even after the surgery, Steve still experiences pain in the knee when driving for long periods of time.

Steve, whose brother also had osteoarthritis, hopes New Zealanders will get behind Arthritis New Zealand’s Annual Appeal in September: “Arthritis New Zealand is worthwhile charity doing great work, so please donate generously this September.”

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in New Zealand and impacts on the lives of over 530,000 New Zealanders. Often it’s wrongly referred to as an ‘old person’s disease’, when in fact over half of those diagnosed in New Zealand are of the working age and around a 1,000 are children and young adults. 25,000 New Zealanders will not work this year due to arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and likened to ‘a heart attack of the joint’. It usually occurs in the hands and weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees and feet. It progresses slowly and develops over many years. Once the joint has been damaged replacement is necessary. However people can prevent such damage – such as managing their weight and regular exercise.

Sandra Kirby, Chief Executive of Arthritis New Zealand hopes all fathers with arthritis enjoy their day: “Have a great day and take advantage of being spoiled by resting up and looking after those joints.”

“Having a family member suffer from arthritis can have a huge impact on a family. We hope the New Zealand public will give kindly through our Annual Appeal Week so we can continue to offer our support and services to those families affected by arthritis.”

Arthritis Annual Appeal Week is from 21st of September to the 28th, with the street collection on Friday 24th September. To donate please phone 0900 333 20 or visit www.arthritis.org.nz. If you wish to volunteer for Street Collection on the 24th September, please phone 0800663 463.

ENDS

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