In June the Arthritis Foundation announced the launch of Better Choices, Better Health® for Arthritis, an interactive online workshop for people with arthritis. Created by Stanford University more than 30 years ago as an in-person program, the new program allows participants with arthritis to connect with others online when at their convenience.
Participants sign up to be part of a small group of 20 to 25 patients, who spend about two hours a week online during the six-week program. During that time, they engage in workshops covering such topics as: pain management, dealing with difficult emotions, fitness and healthy eating, and working with your healthcare team.
Benefits of the program include improved management of the condition, decreased levels of frustration and worry, and decreased pain. Many patients bond through sharing common struggles and strategies for coping.
Individuals create their own user names, so information is kept confidential. Secure servers maintain the Web site. For more information, click here.
The program is supported by a grant from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a partnership of the Arthritis Foundation and the National Council on Aging.
