Media Release
29 August 2013
Not his preferred gift – but he’ll love you for it!
Arthritis New Zealand’s Chief Executive Sandra Kirby reminded New Zealanders to remember Dad’s health this Fathers’ Day.
Especially if he has arthritis.
“Over 530,000 New Zealanders are living with the pain of arthritis. But many of them will be coping in silence. Their
condition may have been trivialised, and they have been told that it’s ‘just arthritis’. Or they may not have even been
diagnosed yet, because they have not yet taken their concerns to a doctor.”
“But there is nothing trivial about arthritis, which is the leading cause of disability in New Zealand. While there is
currently no cure for arthritis, with the right treatment and support, people with arthritis can still lead fulfilling
lives.”
“If Dad has pain in his joints, but has not had it diagnosed, then encouraging him to made a doctor’s appointment may be
the best Father’s Day present you ever give him,” concluded Ms Kirby.
Arthritis New Zealand is the national organisation focussed on raising awareness of the more than 140 different forms of
arthritis, advocating for those with the condition, and providing advice and support.
ends