Holistic approach along with Scientific approach is key to management of arthritis, opined various experts at the National Patients’ Convention at Poona Club on Sunday organised byMission Arthritis India (MAI) . The program was inaugurated in presence of Chief Guest Dr Kavita Krishna, Professor and Head of Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Bharti Vidyapeeth Medical College and Hospital, Pune, Dr Arvind Chopra, Director and Chief Rheumatologist Center for Rheumatoid Diseases ( CRD) ,Deepa Mehta, Chairperson of MAI, Dr Anuradha Venugopalan Vice Chairperson. Shweta Kulkarni Secretary and trustees Sharayu Bhat, Rani Parasnis along with Physiotherapist Dr Nilima Bedekar were also present. The theme of the conference was Arthritis Management: Exploring the Impact of Weather, Pollution, Diet and Traditional Home Therapies. The souvenir of ‘Mission Arthritis India’ (MAI) 2024 was also released on the occasion.
In this conference Shivani Barve, former chairperson of Mission Arthritis India (MAI) was conferred with Late Mr. P.C. Nahar Oration Award, Jimit Thakkar,Co founder of Stand for AS was presented with Haribhau Rathiji Vata Viruddha YODDHA Award while Surpiya Shinde was presented with Vata Viruddha YODDHA Award from Center for Rheumatic Diseases (CRD).
Chief Guest Dr Kavita Krishna said, “The exact reasons for autoimmune diseases are not known apart from genetic or environmental factors. Apart from medicines it is important to ensure proper nutrition, family support and understand the economic condition of the patients. We should also have an open mind for alternative therapies in treatment of arthritis. A holistic approach to management of arthritis is the key.”
Dr Arvind Chopra said, “It takes time for the medicines to show effect and for the pain to subside in case of rheumatoid arthritis . So at the start if a doctor has prescribed pain killers patients should not be fearful and should continue to do their exercises as exercise and movement is very important in the fight against arthritis.”
Eminent speakers also included Dr Vaijayanti Lagu, Dr Shilpa Khandelwal and Dr Shilpa Thorat. The day-long program included various lectures by eminent experts on arthritis diet, yoga, impact of pollution, weather and season change on arthritis patients, traditional therapies in arthritis.
