The World Arthritis Day is soon approaching and Disability Issues Minister, Tariana Turia has been encouraging New Zealanders to support the day. She has urged Kiwis to support the day by better understanding the incurable disease and how it impacts the lifestyle of a person.

Mrs. Turia is a sufferer of arthritis herself and has felt the pain of this incurable and painful disease since the past 12 years. While talking about her condition, Mrs. Turia states that she is one of those people who know what it's like living with extreme excruciating pain of the joints.

According to estimates around, 530,000 New Zealanders are affected by a type of arthritis. There are about 140 types of arthritis that can affect human beings. The most common types of arthritis are known as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid and gout.

However, the worst thing about arthritis is the loss of healthy people in the general crowd and with the passage of time the number of people being affected just keep on increasing. It has been estimated that in the year 2010,
25,000 Kiwis would be rendered unproductive due to the condition of arthritis.

Mrs. Turia has been deeply involved in campaigning against arthritis. She had earlier in 2010 launched a report known as the Economic Cost of Arthritis in New Zealand in 2010.