Dubai: With a goal to help patients of arthritis and their caregivers manage their lifestyles including careers, despite the chronic disease, the Middle East Arthritis Foundation (MEAF) has announced that it will hold a public community event on Oct. 11 at the Shangri-La hotel, Dubai to mark World Arthritis Day 2019.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Humeira Badsha, founding member of the Middle East Arthritis Foundation, said, “Our goal is to educate, support and motivate patients of arthritis and their families, and we hope to do that through annual events such as these.
“Too many people today believe that it is impossible to lead a normal life with arthritis, but we want to show patients and their families that with the right nutrition, lifestyle changes and medical treatment, it is indeed possible. We want to empower patients to take control of their lives.”
Filled with practical tips, medical advice and more, the day-long event will include various activities including Tai Chi. Tai Chi has been proven to reduce arthritic pain as it gently moves all joints, muscles and tendons throughout the body during the course of practice.
Additionally, scientific studies have shown Tai Chi can significantly increase flexibility, improve muscular strength and as well as decrease the occurrence of falls by 47.5%. There will also be group discussions on how to overcome the challenges of arthritis, a dance and movement session, a mind-and-body-connectivity session, sound nutritional guidance as well as free scanning of hands for arthritis and of bone density for osteoporosis at the venue.
The highlight of the day will be personal testimonials and insights from arthritis patients from various walks of life. These patients will share their stories of the courage and determination that has helped them fulfil their daily duties, hold a job, raise families and more. Attendees will hear from a student, a stay-at-home mother and a working mother, all of whom are bound together by the common thread of arthritis.
Currently, more than 50 million people around the world have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. In the UAE, one in five people suffer from the chronic disease. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of the adults who have arthritis report that it limits their leisure activities and work. There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis and related diseases, with the most common types being osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), fibromyalgia and gout. All of them cause pain in different ways.
