Middle East Arthritis Foundation organised World Arthritis Day 2014 to empower more people in the UAE

Middle East Arthritis Foundation organised two days of activities to increase awareness and provide greater support for people suffering with arthritis 

Dubai, UAE – 12 October 2014 – In the approach to World Arthritis Day, celebrated around the world on October 12th, the Middle East Arthritis Foundation hosted an exciting event this weekend to both raise awareness of the disease, and inspire those with the condition to make the most of life.  

Spread over two days – Friday 10th and Saturday 11th October – the event was opened to the public and offered attendees a comprehensive programme designed to support arthritis sufferers through their daily challenges, give advice on healthy nutrition, and help them to enjoy a happy and full lifestyle. World Arthritis Day featured exercise, weight loss and nutrition sessions, fitness training, interactive round-table discussions with patients and experts (rheumatologists, physiotherapists, nutritionists etc.), a Juvenile Arthritis Forum for parents and kids, a cooking contest for patients guided by chefs and nutritionists, and much more.  
Dr. Humeria Badsha, founding Member of the Middle East Arthritis Foundation (formerly Emirates Arthritis Foundation) says: “We looked at everything that has worked during previous years and built on it to make World Arthritis Day 2014 even more interactive and more informative for our attendees. We want people to know that arthritis can be effectively controlled and managed, and that they don’t need to stop their life because of that the condition”.

Arthritis affects one in five people in the UAE and early diagnosis is important for successful treatment. Contrary to popular belief, the 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.

The Middle East Arthritis Foundation’s board members truly believe that ongoing activities like World Arthritis Day help to raise awareness about arthritis, educate the community about the condition and support those who are suffering from the disease with their every day challenges.