Fostering Equality: Bone and Joint Week 2023
Fostering Equality: Bone and Joint Week 2023
As we dive into the heart of Bone and Joint Week, an essential event dedicated to musculoskeletal health, it’s heartening to see the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) and the Institute of Osteopathy (iO) coming together to support this important cause. Their commitment to promoting equality in musculoskeletal (MSK) health is a beacon of hope for countless individuals affected by MSK conditions.
Let’s Take Action on #MSKEquality
In a world that strives for equality and fairness, it’s vital to acknowledge that there are still disparities in musculoskeletal health, an issue that can impact anyone, regardless of their background or demographics. The theme for this year’s Bone and Joint Week is ‘Let’s take action on #MSKEquality,’ and it couldn’t be more timely.
For some individuals in the UK, unfair and avoidable inequalities persist in their MSK health, affecting their access to healthcare services and overall experiences. These inequalities are particularly prevalent among women, those with lower incomes, older individuals, and certain ethnic groups. The burden of poor MSK health, which can affect our ability to work, socialize, maintain a balanced diet, and simply enjoy life, is something that should concern us all.
Summer’s Story
Summer is now an 11 year old girl who is living with Spina Bifida which has caused paralysis from the chest down – she also suffered from Hydrocephalus which caused excessive fluid build up on the brain. This has led her having a multitude of surgeries on both her spine and brain as she uses a wheelchair full-time as she tackles every trouble the world throws at her. To assist her with her condition, The Hastings Community and Hastings United Football Club were able to raise over £5,000 to purchase a customised Quoddy Bed – this is a fully profiling bed which is designed to grow with the child, meaning that her bed was originally 60″ and can grow a whole foot longer. Summer has had struggles with her mobility from a very young age and Centrobed helped her and her family gain back their independence. Read more about Summer’s Story here.
Sue Brown, CEO of ARMA, on the Importance of Equality
Sue Brown, the CEO of ARMA, couldn’t have put it better when she emphasized the significance of addressing inequalities during Bone and Joint Week. She noted, “We’ve chosen to highlight equalities during Bone and Joint Week this year because it is critically important. Poor MSK health contributes to and exacerbates health inequalities.”
Indeed, this connection between MSK health and broader health disparities highlights the urgency of the issue. Musculoskeletal health isn’t just about bones and joints; it’s about the fundamental ability to lead a healthy, fulfilling life.
Join the Movement: Celebrate and Advocate
Bone and Joint Week serves as a rallying point for all of us to celebrate the achievements of good MSK health and to advocate for a more equal future. It’s an opportunity for osteopaths and healthcare professionals to showcase their dedication to MSK health.
But the movement doesn’t stop there. It extends to all of us, as individuals who can play a role in creating a world where MSK health is a right, not a privilege. We can all help promote this endeavour by sharing our efforts and stories on social media, using the hashtags #BoneJointWeek and #MSKEquality.
Our Message
Here at Centrobed we will be supporting ARMA in their campaign for equality, as a company we see the struggles of individuals who have MSK health conditions daily – that is why this week we will be supporting #BoneJointWeek as we’re not only helping individuals with MSK conditions but also fostering a more equitable and healthier society for all. Together, we can make a difference, one step at a time.
