Mary Pack Arthritis Program Arthritis Classes

Mary Pack Arthritis Program Arthritis Classes will help you learn about the different kinds of arthritis and management techniques.

Classes available online and select classes in person

Mary Pack Arthritis Classes are offered in various formats to help meet your needs. See the class schedule below or download the calendar to print it out for easy access.

Download the MPAP Arthritis Class Calendar

We offer classes in multiple formats to help meet your needs: 

• Online - Zoom webinar: Audio or video participation not required
• Online - Zoom meeting: Audio or video participation is encouraged.
• In-person: In person, at the Mary Pack Arthritis Centre in Vancouver or Victoria Arthritis Centre.

1. Choose your preferred class from the list below.
2. Click the "Register now" link below the course to learn more and to register. If you are having difficulty with online registration please contact Vancouver (604) 875-4021 OR Victoria (250) 598-2277 Ext. “0” for assistance.
3. Save your confirmation email. 

   If you register for a Webinar, you will receive a confirmation email and a link to join right after you register.
   If you register for a Meeting, you will automatically receive a confirmation email only if there is space available.

If you live in the Vancouver or Victoria area and do not have access to the internet to attend virtual education classes, contact your local center to discuss alternative options:

• Vancouver (604) 875-4111 x 69218
• Victoria (250) 598-2277

Biologics, Biosimilars, and Jak inhibitors (IA) 

Learn about the different types of advanced therapeutic medications, risks/benefits, and special considerations.
Mondays 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. 
Zoom webinar - Register for class 

Community Resources 

Learn about disability pensions, subsidized housing and other ways of saving money when you have a disability.
Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Zoom webinar - Register for class 

Exercise and Arthritis

Learn principles of exercising with arthritis. Note: No specific exercises are taught.
Fridays 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Zoom webinar - Register for class

Fatigue Management 

Discuss factors that affect fatigue. Examine your daily activities and learn to conserve energy.
Thursdays 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Zoom webinar - Register for class 

Gardening with Arthritis

Learn tips and tricks to help improve gardening with arthritis. 
View the latest dates available for registration from OASIS.

Goals and Action Planning

Learn how to create a successful action plan to manage your arthritis.
Fridays 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Zoom webinar - Register for class 

Joint Protection of Arms

How to protect the joints in the arms and hands while performing everyday tasks.
Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Zoom webinar - Register for class 

Joint Protection of Legs

How to protect the joints in the hips and knees while performing everyday tasks.
Tuesdays 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Zoom webinar - Register for class 

Managing Inflammatory Arthritis (Two-part series) 

Learn how inflammatory arthritis affects the body, how it is diagnosed, what medications are used, how to do a body scan, and how to manage flares. Although attendance at both sessions is encouraged, it is not mandatory.

***Registration is required for each session***

Part A: Understanding the Disease (IA)
Learn the basics about the disease process and medications prescribed for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Psoriatic arthritis (PSA) and Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).
Monday 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Zoom webinar - Register for Part A 

Part B: Tools for Management (IA)
Learn the purpose of a body scan and how to perform one, how to manage flares and apply modalities, and understand the role of exercise. Note: This class focuses on RA and PSA. For those with AS, please consider attending the “Managing Spondyloarthritis” class.
Thursdays 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Zoom webinar - Register for Part B 

Managing Spondyloarthritis (IA) 

Learn about Ankylosing Spondylitis and other inflammatory arthritis conditions involving the spine. Please note: this class is not for osteoarthritis, disc problems, or other back conditions.
Tuesday or Thursday 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Zoom webinar - Register for class 

Nutrition, Supplements and Arthritis

Learn about the impact of diet on arthritis, nutrients and supplements that can help and strategies for healthy eating.
View the latest dates available for registration from OASIS.

Osteoarthritis 

Learn what osteoarthritis is and how it affects the body. Discuss treatment and management.
Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Zoom webinar - Register for class 

Pain Series (Two-part series)

Pain classes occur as a series. Attendance at all sessions is strongly encouraged but not required.

Part A: Understanding Pain
Learn how pain travels from its source to the brain. Use this information to explore pain management strategies.
Mondays 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Zoom webinar - Register for class

Part B: Medication and Symptom Management
Learn about the use of medications (topical, oral, injectable) to manage symptoms of arthritis and improve quality of life.
Wednesday 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Zoom webinar - Register for class

Prevention and Management of Osteoporosis (Three-part series)

Bone health is very important for people with rheumatic conditions. Learn how to build stronger bones with diet, exercise, lifestyle, and medication.

Part A: Osteoporosis Overview and Treatment
Learn what is osteoporosis, the risk factors, diet, supplements and medications for it.
Mondays 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Zoom webinar - Register for class

Part B: Part B: Prevention and Management with Exercise
Learn the categories of osteoporosis, safety tips, effects and benefits of variety of different exercises, and the importance of good posture. Demonstration of sample exercises would be included.
Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Zoom webinar - Register for class

Part C: Managing Your Everyday Activities
Learn about fall prevention, fatigue management and ways to manage everyday activities with greater ease and confidence.
Fridays 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Zoom webinar - Register for class

Sleep and Arthritis

Learn about the health benefits of sleep, the relationship between sleep and stress, and strategies for improving your sleep and managing your stress. 
View the latest dates available for registration from OASIS.

Spine Series (Two-part series)

Spine classes occur as a series. Attendance at all sessions is strongly encouraged, but not required.

Spine A: Anatomy
Basic spine anatomy and the effects of arthritis on your back.
Fridays 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Zoom webinar - Register for class

Spine B: Joint Protection
How to protect your neck and back during everyday activities.
Fridays 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Zoom webinar - Register for class

Strategies for Making Sustainable Change (Two-part class)

This small group provides guidance and support for putting stress management techniques into practice. Consider taking Sleep and Stress Management first.
Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Zoom webinar - Register for class

Walking More Comfortably

Learn about the benefits of walking with poles, specific features of different shoes, and other tips to improve your walking comfort.
View the latest dates available for registration from OASIS.

See the schedule for upcoming in-person classes at the Mary Pack Arthritis Centre - Vancouver location. No referral is required to attend but registration is required. These classes will be held at the Mary Pack Arthritis Centre Vancouver location at  895 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C.

Click on "Register for class" to see full details on each course and full location details on how to attend.

Managing Emotions (two-part class)

Review the types of loss associated with arthritis, common emotional reactions, signs and symptoms of depression and coping strategies. This class consists of small group work in a shared environment.

Consider taking Strategies for Making Sustainable Change first.
Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Register for class 

Navigating the Healthcare System (two-part class)

Learn how to build a health-care team that meets your needs, navigation do’s and don’ts and about being an effective communicator.
Wednesdays 10:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m.
Register for class 

In-person classes at the Mary Pack Arthritis Centre - Victoria location are offered based on patient demand. When held, these classes will be held at the Victoria Arthritis Centre at 2680 Richmond Road, Victoria, B.C. Please contact Victoria Arthritis Centre for further detail at (250) 598-2277.

OsteoArthritis Service Integration System (OASIS) is an education program that helps people self-manage their condition. OASIS classes are offered by webinar and in-person in VCH locations. Learn more about the OASIS classes.