Al Biraa Arthritis & Bone Centre, a brand new facility in Dubai dedicated to raising awareness of osteoporosis and preserving local residents’ bone health, is opening today (June 24).

Emirates Arthritis Foundation (EAF) and Anlene, Fonterra’s leading adult milk brand, are coming together to support the new clinic.

'The opening of the clinic is crucial for raising awareness of this debilitating disease and will be used to help treat people living with the illness, as well as offering ways to help prevent the onset of disease,' said Dr Ayman Mofti, Al Biraa Arthritis & Bone Centre’s general manager, who has more than 20 years of experience in private medical practice in both the USA and Dubai.

The clinic will be the new base of EAF, marking a milestone for the charity. EAF has been established since 2005 and strives to raise awareness of arthritis and other bone diseases such as osteoporosis, through education and events as well as supporting individuals living with these illnesses.

The centre is the first arthritis clinic in the region to specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of joint diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, and lupus); bone diseases (osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency); and muscle diseases (fibromyalgia and repetitive stress syndrome), said a statement.

To mark the opening of the clinic, visitors will be offered free bone density scanning throughout the day, courtesy of Anlene, enabling women to see if they are at risk of developing the disease. Samples of Anlene milk will also be offer, which is fortified with the vital nutrients that can help prevent the onset of the disease. 

Osteoporosis is the gradual weakening of bones, which stems from a lack of minerals that are vital to maintain healthy bone mass, and women are at particular risk. It is often referred to as a ‘silent disease’ as it develops over several years and often goes unnoticed until a fracture or break occurs, which can be extremely painful.-TradeArabia News Service