The Middle East Arthritis Foundation (MEAF) is set to host its annual UAE event for families and carers in Dubai to mark the World Arthritis Day on October 12.

Concurrent with this year’s global theme – ‘Don’t Delay, Connect Today’ – the event will take place on October 13 at the Shangri-la Hotel to raise awareness of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and to encourage physical activity amongst people in the community.

There are no UAE specific statistics but numbers from the Gulf region suggest that the prevalence is 20 per cent of the population. Moreover, the number of people aged over 50 years is expected to double by 2020 and the burden of musculoskeletal diseases is also expected to rise. These conditions are a leading cause of absence from work, and account for 20 per cent of health utilization costs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, for instance, is a chronic inflammatory arthritis with a higher likelihood of permanent disability. Because the disease is commonly presumed to be a type of arthritis, awareness is lacking, causing problems with disability, clinical care, and research funding.  In the UAE alone, studies have shown a delay in diagnosis of 12 months due to lack of awareness of the disease. With early diagnosis, treatment deformity and disability can be prevented.

To mark the day, the Middle East Arthritis Foundation will host in Dubai a full day event for families, friends and carers of people living with arthritis. The event will be free of charge and will feature interactive sessions that includes a session with a life coach, and a demonstration of healthy Powwer jar, which encourages healthy eating.

Participants can take part in an active session with other people living with arthritis as well as will have the opportunity to participate in a treasure hunt to win spa certificates and hotel vouchers amongst others.  People who attend can also avail of the opportunity to conduct a free ultrasound scan of hands to check for arthritis as well as a free bone density scan for osteoporosis and much more.

The Foundation will also host a panel discussion titled, ‘My journey with arthritis”, which aims to connect the mind and body of the community to help manage daily stress. An interactive quiz will also be facilitated to provide participants with an opportunity to learn about arthritis and its treatment.

Dr Humeira Badsha, founding member of the Middle East Arthritis Foundation said 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 healthy and active lifestyle.

“It is vital that we listen to the constantly evolving needs of people living with arthritis and other chronic conditions to help reduce their pain and improve their quality of life. We are engaging with patients and their families to better understand their clinical, economic and social needs to help them progress on their healthcare journey and to continue to raise awareness of the treatment options available for them,” said Dr Badsha.

The2017WorldArthritisDayevent is made possible through the support of MEAF partners such as AbbVie, Pfizer, Janssen, Eli Lilly and Company.

It is expected that this year’s World Arthritis Day in the UAE will be attended by around 300 people. All activities over WAD ’17 event will be free of charge and open to the public. – TradeArabia News Service