MEAF hosts community event to mark World Arthritis Day in the UAE

(MENAFN- Sherpa Commuications) Attendees get practical tips and free medical advice to help them manage careers and lifestyles despite the chronic disease


Dubai, UAE – 14th October 2019 – The Middle East Arthritis Foundation (MEAF) hosted a public community event on October 11th at the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, to mark the World Arthritis Day 2019. The event was organised with a goal to help arthritis patients and their caregivers manage their lifestyles including careers despite the chronic disease.

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.”

The event was attended by a large number of patients and their caregivers from across the UAE, where they received practical tips and medical advice. The day-long event included various activities including Tai Chi session, Managing your Daily life/Career with Arthritis talk, occupational therapy session, dance and movement as well as meditation practice, physiotherapy session, cooking and eating healthy talk and much more.

The highlight of the event was the Circles of Sharing Session where arthritis patients could exchange their experience and got professional advice from doctors. Attendees shared their stories of the courage and determination that had helped them fulfil their daily duties, hold a job, raise families, study and more.

Sanria Khan, an active member of the Middle East Arthritis Foundation, commented: “There is a tendency for patients suffering from arthritis to feel like they are alone and that their lives have changed beyond all recognition. This can really dampen their spirit. Therefore, events such as these are a great way to boost their morale, show them that they are not alone and guide their families on the best way to support them. With proper care and treatment, it is definitely possible to lead a productive and fulfilling life.”

In its quest to combat arthritis, MEAF is actively supported by businesses in the UAE such as Novartis, AbbVie, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Newbridge, Apparel and other brands. Beyond its ongoing research in clinical treatments, MEAF is committed to improving the lives of people living with arthritis through real-world data collection, support for caregivers and patients as well as awareness programs. To find out more and be aware of future events, visit www.arthritis.ae.
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About Middle East Arthritis Foundation:
The Middle Emirates Arthritis foundation ((formerly Emirates Arthritis Foundation) is a non-profit organisation that strives to breathe life into leading ideas on health, hope and happiness. Its goal is to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis through leadership training, in the prevention, control and cure of the disease. Founded in 2006, the Foundation has grown to support more than 2000 patients today across the UAE. MEAF conduct an extensive range of events and programmes to support arthritis patients. More information about the Foundation and its upcoming events is available at: www.arthritis.ae.

About World Arthritis Day:
The World Arthritis Day (WAD) is globally recognized on or around October 12th. This Day was established in 1996 by Arthritis and Rheumatism International to raise awareness and highlight support for people living with various forms of arthritis and to call on individuals and key opinion leaders to take action to reduce the burden of arthritis around the world. With arthritis affecting several hundred million people worldwide and being the leading cause of disability, the initiative is gaining more support in different countries each year.

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