Young Women's Arthritis Support Group (YWASG)

17/01/2026

Would you know what to do if you lost access to your medications during an extreme weather event?

This CreakyJoints Australia resource includes practical tips to help you prepare for managing chronic conditions in emergencies, along with links to emergency and condition-specific resources.

ID: Image shows a First Aid case, a bandage and tablets along with a frog figurine dressed as a nurse.

Do you know how to manage your chronic health issues during emergencies? These resources could save your life

10/01/2026

Thanks to the Australian Centre for Disease Control for these practical tips on protecting yourself from bushfire smoke.

Fire danger is critical – and so is air quality, which can pose significant health risks.
✔️Check your local state or territory government website for information on air quality in your area.
✔️Wear a P2 or N95 respirator correctly.
✔️Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
✔️Run a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
✔️Air out your home when conditions improve, even for short periods, by opening windows and doors.

During short periods of outside smoke:
✔️stay indoors with windows and doors shut, if possible
✔️use a reverse-cycle air conditioner to recirculate indoor air
✔️avoid using evaporative coolers, as they bring outside air inside.

If you're in the line of the fires burning across Australia, follow the advice of your local emergency service.

🩺If you experience symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or eye or skin irritation, seek medical advice.

🚨If you or someone you care for is experiencing chest pain or tightness, call 000 immediately.

💻Learn more: www.cdc.gov.au/topics/environmental-health/indoor-air-quality

10/01/2026

Have you heard about the recently-launched Australian Centre for Disease Control?
Follow the link below to learn more about the work this important health authority does.

So what does a CDC actually do?
We do a lot of behind-the-scenes public health 👀

👉We monitor health data.
👉We detect early warning signs.
👉We assess health risk.
👉We provide clear public health advice.
👉We correct misinformation.
👉We make evidence-informed recommendations to governments.

We analyse all the information so you don’t have to.

Learn more at www.cdc.gov.au

07/01/2026

Do you live with osteoarthritis of the hip? If so, you may be eligible to help review the language to be used in a survey designed to develop new treatments for people with this condition.

Rachael Darwin at Spectrum Translation is looking for people to participate in a short telephone review (less than one hour) of the survey. You will be asked to offer your thoughts on its wording, and you will be paid AU$90 for your time.

To be eligible to participate, you must:
- Have osteoarthritis of the hip
- Be a native Australian English speaker
- Currently reside in Australia

If you would like to participate, please contact info@spectrumtranslation.com providing the following information and including ‘YWASG’ in the subject line:
- Full name
- Age
- Gender
- City of residence
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Please confirm that you have osteoarthritis of the hip

Thank you!

03/01/2026

Practical tips from BJC Health - Connected Care to help you balance your energy levels. Add your tips in the comments below.

The boom and bust cycle can make daily life feel unpredictable. One day you can push through and complete some activities, but the next you might feel exhausted. But there are ways to manage energy, support your nervous system, and feel more balanced.

In this blog, Sarah explains what’s happening in your body, why the cycle occurs, and practical strategies to help you pace yourself and keep moving. It’s a helpful read whether you’re newly noticing these patterns or looking for better ways to manage.

💡 Read the blog here: https://www.bjchealth.com.au/bjc-blogs/understanding-your-nervous-system-breaking-the-boom-bust-cycle

03/01/2026

As the new year begins, many of us reflect on who we’ve been and who we hope to become.
For people living with Sjögren’s, that reflection can come with grief.

Grief for the energy we once had before our symptoms became noticeable.
For the plans that now require negotiation.
For the version of ourselves that we think existed before symptoms, flares, and constant appointments.

Missing the person you think you used to be does not mean you are ungrateful for the life you have with SjD.
It means you are human.

This year, maybe the resolution is not to push harder or “get back” to who you were.
Maybe it is to meet yourself where you are now, with compassion.
To honour what your body carries every day.
To recognise strength in rest, adaptability, and survival.

If this resonates, you are not alone.
Sjögren’s Australia is here to support, advocate, and remind you that your worth has never been defined by what you can do.

01/01/2026

23/12/2025

If you're planning to travel over the coming weeks, check out these tips from CreakyJoints Australia on managing your condition well while you're on the move.

Image shows someone packing a small suitcase in a bedroom.

Are you worried about managing your autoimmune arthritis while travelling? We share our top tips to help you kick off your journey.

23/12/2025

Keep your joints happy over the festive season with these tips from The Arthritis Movement.

Photo shows a lady in a white shirt helping a man in a grey T-shirt do arm and shoulder stretches above his head.

23/12/2025

Thanks to Arthritis Australia for these tips for helping kids with arthritis over the holiday period.

School's out. Sun's out. But for kids with arthritis, summer break can also mean sleep schedules flying out the window.

While most kids revel in late nights and spontaneous adventures, irregular sleep can trigger arthritis flares and leave them feeling drained and achy.

Here's why sleep matters for kids with arthritis:
👉 Inflammation control: Deep sleep helps regulate hormones that control inflammation, a key enemy of arthritis.
👉 Pain management: Getting enough rest boosts natural pain-relieving hormones, making mornings less ouch-y.
👉 Energy levels: Consistent sleep fuels their bodies for summer fun, from pool parties to backyard adventures.

Learn more: https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/managing-arthritis/arthritis-and-children/6387-2/

18/12/2025

Bel Vidal is an avid hiker, walking thousands of kilometres in many countries. When she developed osteoarthritis, a foreboding memory of her grandfather made her anxious about her future health — until she explored that memory further.

In this CreakyJoints Australia article, Bel explores her feelings following her diagnosis and how she now views her future differently.

Image shows Bel Vidal holding walking poles, wearing a blue t-shirt and green hat while hiking at Machu Picchu.

https://creakyjoints.org.au/living-with-arthritis/the-stories-we-tell-ourselves-exploring-memories-of-arthritis/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOwXKdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEejqFraMPCxblTyYyy6TI4-BXEqrzpuKelqXJGeD7NlFT1gx_ATD3sLS-axUQ_aem_CM60yazQt6g48kc0zMF0iA

When Bel Vidal developed osteoarthritis, a foreboding memory of her grandfather made her anxious about her future health — until she explored that memory further.