What is Health? A Holistic Approach at Our Rheumatology & Immunology Centre
Health is More Than Just the Absence of Disease
Health encompasses your complete physical, mental, and social well-being—not merely the absence of symptoms or disease. 1 At our Rheumatology & Immunology Centre, we recognize that managing conditions like arthritis, lupus, and other immune disorders requires addressing every aspect of your life, not just your joints or lab results. 1, 2
The Four Pillars of Your Health Journey
1. Living Your Normal Life
- Returning to activities that matter to you—whether that's work, hobbies, or time with family—is a primary health goal. 3
- Maintaining your social roles and relationships is as important as controlling inflammation. 1, 3
- Your independence and self-confidence directly impact your overall health outcomes. 3
2. Physical Capacity & Function
- Managing pain and stiffness allows you to perform daily activities without limitation. 1
- Preventing joint damage and disability through early, targeted treatment protects your long-term function. 4, 5
- Maintaining bone health, ideal body weight, and physical fitness reduces your disease burden. 4
3. Mental & Emotional Well-Being
- Addressing fatigue, anxiety, and depression is essential because these psychological factors significantly impact your disease outcomes. 1, 2
- Building self-management skills—including problem-solving and goal-setting—empowers you to take control of your health. 1, 2
- Mind-body therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness can improve your quality of life as much as medications. 2
4. Holistic Support & Partnership
- You are the expert on your own body, and we are experts on rheumatic diseases—together, we make the best decisions. 3
- Access to our multidisciplinary team—including rheumatologists, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and nutritionists—ensures comprehensive care. 1, 2
- Patient education and shared decision-making are not optional extras; they are fundamental to achieving your health goals. 1
How We Support Your Holistic Health
Beyond Medications
While medications control inflammation and prevent damage, true health requires more:
- Physical activity programs tailored to your abilities. 4
- Nutritional counseling that considers your individual needs and comorbidities. 2
- Workplace modifications and injury prevention to help you stay employed. 4
- Smoking cessation and lifestyle optimization to reduce your overall disease risk. 4
Empowering You as an Active Partner
- We provide education at every visit because understanding your condition is the first step to managing it effectively. 1, 2
- We set joint goals with you—not for you—that align with your personal aspirations. 2
- We monitor not just disease activity, but your quality of life, work capacity, and emotional health. 6, 3
Coordinated, Integrated Care
- Our multidisciplinary team works together to address all aspects of your condition, from joint injections to psychological support. 1
- We provide timely access to diagnostic tools like ultrasound, bone density testing, and specialized therapies. 4
- We maintain long-term monitoring to ensure optimal disease control and prevent complications. 4, 5
Your Health Goals Matter
At our centre, we measure success not just by lab values or joint counts, but by whether you can:
- Return to work and maintain employment. 2, 4
- Participate in recreational activities you enjoy. 2
- Live independently without assistance. 3
- Feel confident and in control of your condition. 3
- Experience overall well-being in your daily life. 1, 3
Take Charge of Your Health
You cannot absorb all information at once—and that's okay. 1 Our team is here to support you at every step, providing education, resources, and encouragement as you learn to manage your condition. 1, 2
Remember: Effective management of rheumatic and immunologic conditions requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach focused on YOUR individual needs—physical, mental, and social. 1 We are committed to partnering with you to achieve not just disease control, but true health and quality of life. 1, 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don't delay seeking care if you have joint pain or swelling lasting more than 7 days—early treatment dramatically improves outcomes. 4, 5
- Don't focus solely on medications while neglecting exercise, nutrition, and mental health support. 2, 4
- Don't hesitate to ask questions or express concerns—communication with your healthcare team is essential for treatment success. 3
- Don't try to manage everything alone—accessing our full multidisciplinary team gives you the best chance of achieving your health goals. 1, 2