Volunteers from around the Fraser Valley gathered in Langley for ceremonies to kick off Arthritis Month.

The Arthritis Society of Canada, with a B.C. office in Langley City, works to spotlight the disease during the month of September.

Both Langley City and Township have the society's flags flying at their municipal halls.

More than 10 per cent of Canadians have arthritis. There are more than 250,000 people in the Fraser Valley with the disease.

"It's not just a seniors' disease," commented Trish Silvester-Lee, who manages the Fraser Valley office of the Arthritis Society.

Three out of five people 65 and older have arthritis but it can affect people of any age, including children.

She noted that there are no rheumatologists in the Fraser Valley despite the large population affected by the disease.

The arthritis society is hosting an event for residents of the region in late October. The event is to help people with the disease to improve their quality of life.

Arthritis is more than 100 conditions. In its mildest, it is ailments such as tendinitis and bursitis. It ranges right up to crippling systemic forms, such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is also related to conditions such as fibromyalgia, lupus, and even gout.

All forms of arthritis are classed under the one term because their common aspect is joint and musculoskeletal pain.

Nationally, 4.6 million Canadians have arthritis.

The Langley office serves the Fraser Valley and is located at Unit 101 - 5501 204th St. The contact information is 604-514-9902 or info@bc.arthritis.ca.

hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com