EAF organizes Arabic awareness sessions on arthritis

The first session was conducted by Dr. Ayman Mofti, a Rheumatologist in American Hospital Dubai. He discussed different topics like: types of arthritis, symptoms and latest treatments of arthritis.

Dr. Cathy Leibman, EAF's Director of Operations said: 'The foundation is keen to hold such seminars and sessions that educate the public about the reasons behind the disease, the ways to discover it in its early stages, and the different kinds and treatments in a way that enables the patient to live a normal life.'

Additionally, Ms. Rania Abu Yaghi, Operations Manager at Dubai Bone & Joint Center (DBAJ), and who is organizing these Arabic Awareness Sessions, talked about lifestyle management and joint preservation, benefits of exercise, dietary advice, pain management and handling the psychological impact of arthritis. She said: 'It is our pleasure to invite everyone, especially the arthritis patients, their friends and relatives, to attend these sessions which highlight the importance of dealing with the disease and its related aspects. We want to make the best out of these sessions by raising the needed awareness through the interaction between the community and the specialists.'

The Emirates Arthritis Foundation is a non-profitable body which was founded in April 2006 under the patronage of H.R.H. Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the support of Dubai Bone & Joint Center. The aim of the foundation is to raise awareness about arthritis in existence and improve patients' lives through highlighting the ways of early diagnosis and management of the disease.

The Foundation also established an endowment fund to help patients who cannot afford premium healthcare services/treatment. This is achieved through different activities and fundraising events and through the generous donations from pharmaceutical companies, corporate and government entities through their social corporate responsibilities' program and also from individuals businessmen and women to support this humanitarian cause.