Research has demonstrated that education can be a powerful intervention that can improve the lives of persons with any rheumatic disease.  And even a small improvement in a patient’s sense of physical and mental well-being can have an impact on his or her quality of life.  This is where the Arizona Arthritis Center comes in.  We are developing Life Compass, a patient-centered program that will offer education, outreach, services and a place for people to meet others for support, for mentoring or just for fun.

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Life Compass currently offers or will offer:

-the "Living Health with Arthritis" seminar series designed to promote optimal health through lectures on timely and innovative topics focusing on arthritis and related diseases. (Available now, please click on the link below for more details)

-Out of the Maze with Arthritis course for the public and patients interested in learning more about arthritis and preventing severe disability. (Available now, please click on the link below for more details)
 
-Disability assessment and counseling assists patients in rehabilitation, re-employment, education and/or training; helps determine future employment potential while minimizing the negative impacts of work injuries or injuries resulting from degenerative diseases; assists in obtaining disability benefits. (Available now, please click on the link below for more details)
 
-Physical and occupational therapy uses stretches, exercises and techniques to promote strength, range of motion and reduced pain caused by injuries or illness. (This service is currently under development)
 
-Nutrition assessment - assists patients in evaluating current dietary habits and provides guidance on modifying choices for better overall health, especially in the context of inflammatory diseases.  (This service is currently under development)
 
-Acupuncture will be offered to patients on a referral basis as an alternative treatment for pain. (This service is currently under development)
 
-Tai Chi, Yoga and Massage classes will be offered as part of an integrative mind-body approach to chronic illness for overall body awareness, stress management, low impact exercise and chronic pain relief.  (This service is currently under development)
 
-Health Coaching - Fit for Life is a six-month intervention program will be based on self-management modules and a tailored exercise program along with a volunteer “heath mentor” to provide ongoing support and accountability for each enrolled participant.  (This service is currently under development)

Outreach

Living Healthy with Arthritis

Out of the Maze with Arthritis (OMA)

Services

Disability assessment and counseling

Physical and occupational therapy

Nutrition assessment (more information coming soon!)

Acupuncture

Tai Chi, Yoga and Massage 

Health Coaching

The Clubhouse

Meet Others (more information coming soon!)