talkhealth


Star Wars is everywhere. It is THE film of the year, with some of the original cast back to grace the big screen, including Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill.

star wars, David Prowse, Darth Vader, arthritisSadly, David Prowse who played Darth Vader, also affectionately known as the Green Cross Code Man, is missing from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, reportedly due to a falling out with the film’s bosses.

David Prowse is now 80 and as well as having had prostate cancer, has lived most of his life with arthritis. He has undergone several surgical procedures for his arthritis, which has reduced his height in recent years from the towering 6ft 6in Darth Vader.

Prowse now spends some of his time doing charity work, and is connected with a number of arthritis organisations in the UK and is vice-president of the Physically Handicapped and Able-bodied Association.

According to statistics provided by NHS Choices, a staggering 10 million people have arthritis in the UK, with 8 million of these living with osteoarthritis. That’s a huge number.

In September and October this year, talkhealth carried out a survey around the topic of arthritis. Most of those who took part in the survey reported that pain was the main symptom that had the biggest, negative impact on their day to day life. Whilst the overwhelming majority went to the GP for medical help, 88% felt there was a lack of emotional support and information on how to manage pain.

In order to meet the needs of the talkhealth community, we are launching a talkarthritis hub in January 2016 – a platform for people with arthritis, and their carers, to talk with one another, share ideas and find out about treatments and ways in which to better manage the condition.

If you would like to be notified when this hub is launched, please email us.

In the meantime, enjoy the film!

  

Deborah

Hi - I am Deborah, and was the founding director of talkhealth My blog is generally focused around my own personal story about weight loss, running, exercise and generally trying to get and stay fit, as well as what's been in the news that's topical. Any views expressed are my own.

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