G.R.A.S.P.

Global Rheumatoid Arthritis Support and Platforms

The Global Rheumatoid Arthritis Support and Platforms (GRASP) is a subgroup under The Rheumatology Initiative, TRI Ghana.


In line with the aim of the parent group to increase awareness, provide information, tips and the latest advances in the care of people with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, GRASP's focus, as its name suggests, is on Rheumatoid Arthritis.


GRASP's logo, is a Phoenix, with the international RA ribbon in the middle.


The Phoenix is a mythical creature best known for its beauty, loyalty, tenacity, and stubbornness. Like the mythical Phoenix, RA leaves no visible physical marks (at least for a long time), which makes it an invisible illness. Also, like the Phoenix that is burnt by flame, and reborn from the ash, RA warriors have to contend with joint pain, fatigue, brain fog, depression, malaise, organ involvement, and other symptoms in our daily lives. But we always come back, stronger and more determined to not just survive but to thrive.


This inspired the choice of our motto "Rebirth to Remission"


There are several days for celebrating RA worldwide which are:


  • RA Awareness day which is celebrated on 2nd February
  • World Juvenile Arthritis Day (WORD Day) which is celebrated on 18th March
  • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis awareness week which is celebrated from 15th to 21st July



GRASP Activities


  • Eye and Dental Screening

    Although RA primarily affects the joints, it is a systemic disease, which means that it can affect other organs of the body like the heart, kidney, lungs, eye and teeth among others. We therefore aim to educate everyone about how RA can affect these other systems and provide tips to help us better manage the condition.



    Because eye and dental care are usually not prioritized by most people, and in some cases quite expensive, most people do not bother to check periodically unless something goes wrong, at which point it becomes too late to correct. Those who would want to, can most often not bear the cost.



    In light of this, as part of observing RA awareness month, we conduct free eye and dental screening for all support group members with autoimmune conditions to help us identify any eye care or dental care issues and refer them to the right specialists for immediate care.

  • Exercising (Hydrotherapy & Physiotherapy)

    Many people with rheumatoid arthritis tend to avoid exercise because they're afraid that the activity might worsen their joint pain. But exercise is one of the key treatments to help reduce the disability often associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Regular exercise can boost strength and flexibility in people who have rheumatoid arthritis. Stronger muscles can better support joints, while improved flexibility can aid joint function.



    Exercise can reduce fatigue and ease depression, and better overall fitness helps prevent heart disease and diabetes, two life-shortening ailments that often accompany Rheumatoid Arthritis. RA also accelerates the loss of muscle mass that typically occurs as people get older. That's why it's important to do exercises that will build muscle, in addition to aerobic exercises, which strengthen the heart and lungs.



    As part of our awareness month observations, we organize sessions with a physiotherapist with knowledge of autoimmune conditions, who takes support group members and their caregivers through exercise routines that are safe for them, and would help with mobility in their joints, strengthen their muscles, hearths and lungs. Afterwards, they encouraged to go and keep practicing these exercises at home.

Eye and Dental Screening

Although RA primarily affects the joints, it is a systemic disease, which means that it can affect other organs of the body like the heart, kidney, lungs, eye and teeth among others. We therefore aim to educate everyone about how RA can affect these other systems and provide tips to help us better manage the condition.


Because eye and dental care are usually not prioritized by most people, and in some cases quite expensive, most people do not bother to check periodically unless something goes wrong, at which point it becomes too late to correct. Those who would want to, can most often not bear the cost.


In light of this, as part of observing RA awareness month, we conduct free eye and dental screening for all support group members with autoimmune conditions to help us identify any eye care or dental care issues and refer them to the right specialists for immediate care.


 

Exercising (Hydrotherapy & Physiotherapy)

Many people with rheumatoid arthritis tend to avoid exercise because they're afraid that the activity might worsen their joint pain. But exercise is one of the key treatments to help reduce the disability often associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Regular exercise can boost strength and flexibility in people who have rheumatoid arthritis. Stronger muscles can better support joints, while improved flexibility can aid joint function.


Exercise can reduce fatigue and ease depression, and better overall fitness helps prevent heart disease and diabetes, two life-shortening ailments that often accompany Rheumatoid Arthritis. RA also accelerates the loss of muscle mass that typically occurs as people get older. That's why it's important to do exercises that will build muscle, in addition to aerobic exercises, which strengthen the heart and lungs.

Nature's Symphony

As part of our awareness month observations, we organize sessions with a physiotherapist with knowledge of autoimmune conditions, who takes support group members and their caregivers through exercise routines that are safe for them, and would help with mobility in their joints, strengthen their muscles, hearths and lungs. Afterwards, they encouraged to go and keep practicing these exercises at home.


For more information, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/autoimmunerheumatoidarthritis.trighana