9:
People with arthritis have the responsibility to persue healthy lifestyles:
People with arthritis should adopt those behaviours known to promote positive health results, such as proper diet and nutrition, adequate rest and regular exercise.
People with arthritis should avoid behaviours known to be detrimental to one's health, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse.
To enable people with arthritis to assume this responsibility, there is a need for :
Arthritis consumer groups to become empowered to coach and advise their members and the general public;
Financial support for these groups (i.e. from patients, agencies, institutions, corporations, and governments) to facilitate their interaction.
10:
People with arthritis have the responsibility to become knowledgeable about their arthritis treatment plan:
Patients should read the informational materials provided to them.
Patients should ask questions about their treatment plans to ensure that they understand the goals of treatment and how they will be implemented.
Patients should ask what role they are expected to play in the treatment plan.
To enable patients to assume this responsibility, there is a need for :
Arthritis consumer groups to become empowered to coach and advise their members and the general public;
Financial co-operation from patients, agencies, institutions, corporations, and governments to facilitate this interaction.
11:
People with arthritis have the responsibility to actively participate in decisions about their arthritis care:
Patients should ask their family doctor when it is appropriate for them to be referred to a specialist.
Patients should provide accurate information to all caregivers regarding their medical and personal histories and current symptoms and conditions.
Patients should ask questions of providers to determine the potential risks, benefits and costs of treatment alternatives.
Patients should seek and read literature about their conditions and weigh all pertinent factors in making informed decisions about their care.
To enable patients to assume this responsibility, there is a need for:
Arthritis consumer groups to become empowered to coach and advise their members and the general public;
Financial co-operation from patients, agencies, institutions, corporations, and governments, to facilitate this interaction.
12:
People with arthritis have the responsibility to co-operate fully with a mutually accepted treatment plan:
Patients should update providers on treatment progress.
Patients should notify their providers if side effects, complications, or worsening of the condition(s) occur.
Patients should inform providers of other medications and treatments that they are pursuing simultaneously, including non-prescription and naturopathic treatments.
To enable patients to assume this responsibility, there is a need for:
Arthritis consumer groups to become empowered to coach and advise their members and the general public;
Financial co-operation from patients, agencies, institutions, corporations, and governments, to facilitate this interaction.
