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Your gift will transform lives this summer:

Fuel critical research and empower change!

“Together, we are changing lives by empowering millions of people living with the devastating impact of arthritis to experience the joys of life in every season.”
– Trish Barbato, President & CEO, Arthritis Society Canada
 

What do you look forward to most about summer? Maybe you can’t wait to hit the golf course or spend a day exploring nature with friends. Or perhaps you’re excited about a family vacation, sightseeing together and enjoying summer treats.

But for six million people living with arthritis in Canada, summer doesn’t always bring feelings of excitement. The heat and humidity can increase the frequency and severity of painful flare-ups, swelling and fatigue, leaving many with feelings of isolation, as constant pain has them watching life from the sidelines.

Many who live with arthritis find their joint pain and inflammation exacerbated when seasons change. And it’s not just seasonal weather – certain foods can even increase severity of symptoms and pain. More research is needed to uncover the root causes so we can find solutions.

Investigating the link between gut health and osteoarthritis


Dr. Sowmya ViswanathanDr. Sowmya Viswanathan at University Health Network is taking a nutrition-based approach to her research, investigating how gut health affects our immune system and whether there is a link between gut health (gut microbiome) and the development of osteoarthritis.

By analyzing participants’ diets using blood and stool samples, Dr. Viswanathan’s research explores how high-fibre foods, known to reduce inflammation in the body’s circulation system, might help reduce joint inflammation. By better understanding the link between gut health and inflammation, she is working to discover new avenues for targeted therapies for osteoarthritis, which could include dietary changes, injections, or capsules targeting gut bacteria.

While individuals living with the agony of arthritis eagerly await a research breakthrough, potential targeted therapies could buy them precious time, delaying or deferring surgery until technology advancements provide more effective solutions. Dr. Viswanathan says, "If we can buy people two years that are pain-free, that could be the time we need to make important new discoveries."

In the next year alone, various research studies are set to make several announcements that will advance arthritis care.

Optimistic about the future, Dr. Viswanathan encourages individuals to maintain healthy lifestyle habits like eating a high-fibre diet and incorporating strength exercises. This holistic approach can improve their quality of life now as they wait for new and better treatments.

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Developing innovative treatments requires funding.


Millions of people are counting on our help.

Will you join us today and be a part of the groundbreaking efforts that transform lives and offer individuals years free from arthritis pain? Your generosity will drive innovative research forward to make this a reality.

About Arthritis Society Canada


Arthritis Society Canada is dedicated to extinguishing arthritis.

Donor support is critical because without action now, the number of Canadians living with arthritis will soon grow to nine million.

Our donors are heroes. Donations provide essential financial support for initiatives like research that bring us closer to finding better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. We thank each of our everyday heroes, who share our vision of extinguishing arthritis.

 
Our promise to you: Arthritis Society Canada is committed to honouring your generosity and using your donation in the most effective way. If funds are raised in excess of those needed to support the designated purpose, Arthritis Society Canada acting reasonably may designate the donation towards the highest priority needs of the organization.