Exercise is Still Possible!

Media Release

15th September 2016

EXERCISE IS STILL POSSIBLE!

Debbie Hardy was diagnosed with septic arthritis at the age of 33. She had never heard of the condition before, or the impact this diagnosis would have on her life.

The worst part of the diagnosis was that the condition ate away the cartilage in her joints so that they became bone on bone. As a walker, runner this was devastating.

“I had four painful surgeries and was on antibiotics for 14 weeks and during that time I simply couldn’t walk” said Debbie.

But her challenge then became to find a solution. “I was not about to lie down over this” she said.

An internet search introduced her to a special brace and this device has been so successful Debbie can now walk, run and continue to work in her business.

In December, Debbie is going to participate in the West Coast half marathon and has set up a fundraising page to support Arthritis New Zealand. When asked why? She responded;

“I knew nothing about arthritis until I was diagnosed with this condition and now understand the enormity of this and the impact it has had on my life and the thousands of others. Remaining positive is vital and in my own small way I hope I can raise awareness and some funds to support the amazing work Arthritis New Zealand provides.”

About Arthritis New Zealand

· Septic arthritis is also known as infectious arthritis, and is usually caused by bacteria, or fungus. The condition is an inflammation of a joint that's caused by infection. Typically, septic arthritis affects one large joint in the body, such as the knee or hip

· Arthritis New Zealand is a national organisation whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of people who are affected by arthritis.

· There are 620,000 New Zealanders living with a diagnosis of arthritis.

· There are more than 140 different forms of arthritis of which osteoarthritis; gout and rheumatoid arthritis are the most prevalent.

· Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in our country.

· There is no cure.

· It can affect anyone, at any age, at any time.

· There are 17,940 people receiving

· benefits as a result of musculoskeletal conditions, the bulk of which will be arthritis.

· Arthritis New Zealand receives only 12 per cent of its funding from government agencies. Without the generosity of our donors and volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to help those who live with the pain of arthritis every day.

· Arthritis New Zealand is the leader in the provision of awareness, education, services and advocacy for arthritis in New Zealand.

© Scoop Media