In April,, the Mid-Atlantic AgrAbility Project held an Arthritis workshop titled “Is It Arthritis—Or Is It Lyme Disease?” in Salisbury, Md. The speakers included Amber Wolfe from the Arthritis Foundation – Indiana Chapter, who spoke on “Farming with Arthritis”. A local chiropractor presented information on lower back pain for farmers with arthritis. A rheumatologist discussed “Treatment and Protocols for Arthritis”.
With Lyme Disease being so prevalent in Delaware and Maryland, a local physician, who specializes in the treatment of Lyme Disease, spoke on the topic. Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in the project service area. The forum attracted those interested in Lyme Disease and Arthritis as well as those who wanted more information on alternative types of medicine such as acupuncture, chiropractic, yoga and meditation. Diet and herbal remedies were also topics of interest. The attendees had many questions for the speakers and vendors.
There were approximately 50 attendees. Vendors exhibited various types of Assistive Technology, and offered screenings on blood pressure, skin, and balance. The Mid-Atlantic AgrAbility Project plans to make this workshop a yearly event with emphasis on different health issues that affect farmers.
Submitted by: Sally Van Schaik