Canterbury earthquake is a tragedy that affected everyone, not only those in Christchurch but also the rest of New Zealand. Major stress has been shown to trigger inflammation response and can trigger flare ups in arthritis.

In order to manage stress and get your arthritis under control it's important to:

• Share your thoughts and feelings with friends and family
• Get help to cope with hard-to-solve problems

• Use the Government help line for welfare and assistance 0800 779 997

• Healthline is available on 0800 611 116. Healthline is a free telephone health information service provided by registered nurses for all New Zealand families.
• Use sense of humour where possible
• Ask your doctor and pharmacist for medications to help you to cope
• Be actively involved in helping your local community
• Contact Arthritis New Zealand on 0800 663 463.

 For more information on what services are currently open in the Christchurch area, please click here