Dubai, UAE – 15th September 2015 – The Middle East Arthritis Foundation today reaffirmed its support to people living with Arthritis, as World Arthritis Day is recognized globally on October 12th.
Concurrent with this year’s theme – ‘It’s In Your Hands, Take Action’ – the Foundation will host a public event for families and carers on Friday, 9th October at the Shangri-La Hotel to raise awareness of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and to encourage people with the condition to take action.
With arthritis affecting one in five people in the U.A.E, it is imperative that preventative measures are taken. Each year World Arthritis day falls on October 12th providing individuals and organizations the opportunity to raise awareness of this condition and a chance to start new conversations about the steps they can take to make a difference to people with RMDs.
To mark the day, the Middle East Arthritis Foundation will host a full day event for families, friends and carers of people living with Arthritis. The event will be free of charge and will feature several fitness sessions, including a dedicated session on yoga and herbal treatments with the aim to help people take control of their lives. Attendees can meet other people with similar conditions and learn about the different treatments available to them. They will also have the opportunity to talk with health insurance companies to understand what healthcare options are available for them. People who attend can also avail of the opportunity to conduct a free hand scan for Arthritis as well as a free bone density scan for osteoporosis and much more.
Dr. Humeira Badsha, Founding Member of the Middle East Arthritis Foundation (formerly Emirates Arthritis Foundation) says the activities at this year’s World Arthritis Day event have been designed to support people living with Arthritis to take control of this condition, and take positive steps to overcome challenges to live a happy lifestyle.
“People living with Arthritis and other chronic conditions need 
to know that there are resources available to help reduce their pain and improve their quality of life. We want people to know that Arthritis can be effectively controlled and managed, and raise awareness of the treatment options available for them,” said Dr. Badsha. “We use events such as this as an opportunity to raise awareness of the fight against Arthritis. Early detection, management and prevention education have been our best and most effective treatment solutions.”
Arthritis affects a lot of people and early diagnosis is important for successful treatment. Contrary to popular belief, the chronic disease does not only occur in the elderly, children and teenagers are also susceptible, with the most severe forms occurring mostly in younger people, and the average age of onset between 40 and 60 years.
Two medical students recently conducted medical surveys in Dubai on the different treatment options available for Rheumatoid Arthritis. The findings of the surveys demonstrate that effective and safe treatment options are available for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The first survey involved 250 patients who were administered with 518 prescribed drugs to control their Rheumatoid Arthritis. Out of the 250 patients surveyed, only 5% had adverse reactions; highlighting that carefully monitored medications for Rheumatoid Arthritis are safe to use. The second survey explored the biological medications to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis and other inflammatory Arthritis, which also found low rates of serious side effects.
Katrina Thornely, patient supporter and former EAF Director of Operations and Patient Support says Arthritis is a very common condition affecting millions of people. “Living with an invisible illness can be difficult; however living with one that is still not accepted by many is so much harder. No one understands how difficult it is to live with Arthritis, unless they suffer from the chronic condition. I was diagnosed with Arthritis when I was eight months old, and have been combatting the disease since then. I have also been supporting the Middle East Arthritis Foundation initiatives for many years, because I want people to know that they can get information and help to manage this disease and live comfortable lives.”
All activities over WAD ’15 event will be free of charge and open to the public. People with Arthritis and their families are especially requested to attend.
To register for World Arthritis Day event activities and to fight back against Arthritis, contact Middle East Arthritis Foundation on +971 50 534 31 82 (limited places available), and for more information visit arthritis.ae/worldarthritisday
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