October 14: Norvic International Hospital organized various awareness programmes to mark the "World Arthritis Day (WAD)" on Friday, October 12.

Issuing a press statement, the hospital said that it organised a motorcycle rally on the occasion. The rally which started from Norvic at around 6:30 am took the route of Thapathali, Tripureshwor, New Road, Kamalpokhari, Kalopol (Siphal) Jayabageshwori, Gaushala, Battisputali, Old/Mid Baneshwar, Babar Mahal and ended at Norvic.

“In the changing parameters of our lifestyles, arthritis and rheumatic diseases are affecting more individuals than any other disease group,” the statement said, adding “In fact, majority of people of all ages are affected by this disease during their lifetime. Moreover, untreated rheumatic disease may even reduce life expectancy.”

Factors such as smoking, excessive weight, genetic condition, certain occupations that lead to injury and over use of joints and increasing age can increase the risk of developing rheumatic disease, according to the hospital. The word 'arthritis' is generally referred to all different forms of rheumatic diseases.

A talk programme was also organized after the completing of the rally. While addressing the participants of the talk programme, Dr Arun Kumar Gupta, consultant rheumatologist at Norvic, opined that this kind of programme not only raises awareness about the disease, but also emphasizes on the physical activities to overcome the problem of arthritis and rheumatic conditions.

“The purpose of organizing such a rally is to raise adequate level of awareness amongst the valley population,” said Dr Gupta. This can also make people aware and warn those who tend to have any one of the symptoms of arthritis or musculoskeletal disorders, Dr Gupta further added.

One out of three Nepalese will have the problem of arthritis and rheumatic conditions any time during his/her life time, opined RP Mainali, corporate communication DGM at the hospital.

The theme of the World Arthritis Day this year was "Don't delay; Connect today" that focuses on the timely consultation and medication along with the benefits of physical activity for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease (RMDs).

Researchers have shown that even small amounts of physical activity can not only benefit people with RMDs, but also help to prevent joint problems and conditions such as osteoporosis.

“Rheumatic or musculoskeletal diseases encompass more than 200 different conditions. They are characterized by pain and a consequent reduction in the range of motion and function in one or more areas of the musculoskeletal system. In some cases, there are signs of inflammation, swelling, redness, warmth in the affected areas. Rheumatic diseases can also affect precious internal organs like heart, kidney, lever, etc,” the statement said.

RMDs including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis affects men, women and children of all ages in Nepal. It is expected that over a million of Nepalese population are suffering from RMDs in Nepal, opined Dr Gupta.