News from Tec WE Gwill W.I.
by Susan Stein

It was "bring a friend" night for members of Tec We Gwill W.I. for their meeting on February 26, at their hall in Newton Robinson.

Invited as friend, I had the pleasure to partake in the delicious pot luck and staying for the programme.

Invited as guest speaker was Sheri Upper, a social worker, affiliated with RVH Barrie. Her work centers on the outpatient programme for people with arthritis - the word meaning inflammation of the joint, which is now the most common cause of disability in Canada.

There are 3 "umbrellas" (types) of arthritis: Inflammatory - an autoimmune disease, also known as rheumatoid; Osteoarthritis - wear and tear on joints and Arthritis Related Syndromes with no structural damage done to body but with Chronic fatigue Syndrome.

There are 125 different types of Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) in which the body attacks itself and views it's own tissue as foreign. The common types of IA are rheumatoid,which affects 1 out of 100 Canadians, women 3 times more than men, often appearing between ages 25 and 50.

P o l y m y a l g i a Rheumatica, affects persons 50 years and older and Psoriatic Arthritis, when 30 % of persons with psoriasis will develop this type of IA. It affects males and females equally, with the onset of age 20 -50 and older.

The first rheumatologist in Canada graduated in 1972 and since then this disease has challenged doctors to find a cure. Presently there is no cure, hence the focus is on disease management strategies.

Sheri Upper gave an outline and important facts about the Barrie Arthritis Program (BAP), which began in 1998 as a result of patient initiative and advocacy. It is modeled after the program operated through the Southlake Regional Health Centre.

How to get involved in a programme? The following questions should be asked: Do you provide service in the area I live?; Is there a fee?; What are the payments options?; Are subsidies available?; What is the waiting list?

Sheri Upper pointed out that although drugs taken for pain management might have side effects, the benefits in easing the pain should be prevalent.

Exercise is important. It improves the range of motion through stretching, walking and certain moves in a Therapeutic Pool. The RVH has one. It helps maintain or increase muscle strength, restores flexibility and increases endurance. A doctor has to approve pool activity, as the water is heated to 93 degrees and could affect people with heart condition.

The BAP program is offered approx. 5 times a year. Classes are held on a weekly basis in the afternoon from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. It is staffed by an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist, a rheumatologist, and a social worker. It offers the understanding of the disease process, pain management, medication counselling, joint protection strategies, splinting, and regular exercise component.

After finishing the program, an appointment is given for a joint count. Ongoing follow-up care; ongoing opportunity to review specific aspects of individual arthritic care.

Donna Jebb, Tec We Gwill W.I president presented the speaker with a gift in appreciation for her detailed and instructive message for arthritic sufferers.

During the business part of the meeting, the upcoming 110th Anniversary was discussed. A motion to have a new flag on a flagpole, mounted on the building's wall was made and carried.

It was also proposed to challenge a change in reducing packaging in plastic bags, to support the Club Amick Young Aboriginal Reader's Program, which supplies books, to the children.

For me it was also a lesson in the W.I.'s history,which began with the first in Stoney Creek on Feb. 19, 1897. This was the work of Adelaide Hoodless who had the vision to help women to become more knowledgeable about operating a more efficient home. The Tec We Gwill Branch is affiliated with the Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario (FWIO). Some of the Resolutions the W.Is have made over the years and have resulted in our laws: Mandatory stopping for school buses with flashing lights; Signs at railway crossings; Painting of white lines on provincial highways; Use of easily understood labels on food products; Enforcement of the proper use of slow moving vehicle signs; Installation of three-point rear seat belts.

Their Aim: Introduce fun and friendship, enjoy crafts, physical activity. tours and speakers.

Initiate programs to strengthen the family with good family life skills; support recycling, encourage responsible citizenship; interpret local history, compile community history in Tweedsmuir history books; present sessions on Citizenship and Legislation; on health and nutrition; safety; provide personal growth opportunities; identify and act on local, national and global issues.

Participate in projects on agriculture, industry, and education.