FT. MOHAVE / BULLHEAD CITY, AZ – Local residents living with arthritis and other autoimmune diseases will have the chance to help launch a new support group for the Tri-State area. Retired Bullhead City Mayor Diane Vick, who has arthritis, is organizing an initial meeting on Saturday, August 22.
In addition to arthritis the launch meeting is open to those with lupus, ankylosing spondylitis and fibromyalgia. The initial meeting will help determine when future meetings will be held and if there should be one or multiple support groups for the different types of autoimmune disorders.
Valley View Medical Center in Ft. Mohave has agreed to host the support group meetings. The launch meeting on August 22 will be at 9 am in Valley View’s classroom. Attendees will help chart the direction for the group including meeting dates, times and focus.
“Arthritis can be extremely painful and there are so many ways to ease the pain physically and emotionally,” Vick said. “Everyone is different and reacts differently to treatments.”
Future speakers may include orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, neurologists and other experts in the field.
Vick noted that pain management, neurological care, exercise, diet and a good attitude can be important tools to deal with autoimmune disorders, even when a good attitude is not always easy when you’re hurting.
Once regular meetings are planned the support group’s schedule will be posted locally as well as on the Southwest Arthritis Foundation’s website.
Additional information about the support group is available by calling Vick at 928-234-7451 or Valley View’s community events hotline at 928-788-3653.
