PUNE:  Apart from moral support and information resources, patient support groups will have a larger role to play in the research, advocacy, guidelines, and influencing policy decisions opined Dr Chandrasekhara S, President IRA (Indian Rheumatology Association). He was speaking at the annual ‘National Patient Convention’ organized by Mission Arthritis India (MAI), a voluntary support group for patients of arthritis and rheumatism since 2000. Chief Guest Dr. Chandrasekhara S, President IRA, Guests of Honour Dr. Kiran Seth, Senior Consultant Rheumatologist, Delhi, Dr. Kavita Krishna, HoD Rheumatology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College, Mrs. Manisha Sanghavi, Director Sancheti Healthcare Academy along with Dr. Arvind Chopra Director and Chief Rheumatologist Center for Rheumatoid Diseases (CRD), Sharayu Bhat, Founder Member & Trustee, MAI, Deepa Mehta, Chairperson, MAI, Shweta Kulkarni, Secretary, Rani Parasnis, Trustee, Mission Arthritis India, & Shivani Barve, Treasurer were present on the occasion. The Annual souvenir was also released on the occasion. 

More than 100 patients and about 15 rheumatologists came together to discuss various aspects and management of rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr Chandrashekhara S, President of IRA (Indian Rheumatology Association) said that the way we see, treat, or manage patients of autoimmune arthritis has changed. The concept itself has changed over the last twenty-five years. We now have choices with more than 40 to 50 drugs. Which one to give, when to give, how much to give, there is a lot of research that goes on. Therefore guidance and recommendations are key. The disease itself is complex and affects different persons differently. Hence apart from moral support and information patient support groups will have a larger role to play. Dr. Chandrashekara pointed out two areas the first being research where advocacy groups, associations, and societies can help create funds for research which can be useful for the medical fraternity and can change the perspectives of treatment and management. Secondly, referring to the Western world, he said that patient groups need to push themselves to be a part of advocacy in terms of creating some guidelines. Patient support groups should also play an active role in presenting various issues like insurance to the Government and other policy-making bodies.

Addressing the patients, he said that arthritis keeps coming but your spirits should not die with it. When we start walking fall is inevitable, we should get up and get walking, and when we look at it from this perspective things change 

Dr. Kiran Seth, Senior Consultant Rheumatologist, Delhi said that every human being has the power to fight the disease but also to create an environment where they can inspire others to fight it. Following prescription, diet, exercise, mental health, and attitude are key for arthritis patients to make life easier. 

Dr. Kavita Krishna HoD Rheumatology said that it is true that arthritis is seen more in women, especially autoimmune arthritis.

It is challenging for women with arthritis. Correct diagnosis, treatment, and control of modifiable factors like weight management, low-impact exercises, diet, medication and can help in pain management.

Mrs Manisha Sanghavi, Chairperson of Sancheti Healthcare Academy said that arthritis can slow us down but the human spirit is far superior.

The highlight of the program was Late Shri. P C Nahar Oration Award was conferred to Dr Vaijyanti Lagu Joshi one of the first female rheumatologists in Pune.

CRD Vat Viruddha Yoddha Award was given to Shalaka Burande from Pune &  Vachasamrita S, Co-Founder of Lupus Trust  India, Kochi was conferred Shri Haribhau Rathiji Vat Viruddha Yoddha Award.

Shweta Kulkarni. Secretary MAI gave the welcome address, Deepa Mehta, Chairperson MAI said this year is an important milestone for us as we celebrate the SILVER JUBILEE year.

Deepa Mehta, Chairperson of Mission Arthritis India said this year is an important milestone for us as we celebrate the SILVER JUBILEE year. The platform is for seeking knowledge from renowned doctors about arthritis. The patient support group for arthritis provides emotional support, a sense of belongingness, understanding others’ similar concerns in a nonjudgemental environment, sharing experiences, and information, and making all understand that they are not alone. This helps in empowering the patients and helps them make informed decisions.

Dr.Arvind Chopra Director and Chief Rheumatologist Center for Rheumatoid Diseases (CRD) said that if we want to create awareness about bone and joints at every level, we need people who can be a bridge between doctors and patients. And that was the reason we started this support group ‘ MAI’. Awareness, Knowledge, and empowerment are the main pillars of MAI.

The post How Patient Groups are Shaping Arthritis Management with Dr. Chandrasekhara S appeared first on NRI News.

The health of our knee joints is crucial for maintaining mobility and overall quality of life, as these joints are central to most daily activities, from walking and climbing stairs to running and exercising. Proper knee function ensures stability, support, and flexibility, enabling us to engage in a wide range of physical activities without discomfort. However, knee joint health can be significantly impacted by our lifestyle choices.

Our lifestyle choices play a pivotal role in determining the health of our knee joints. While some lifestyle choices enhance the health of knee joints, others can deteriorate it. Smoking as a lifestyle choice can have a detrimental impact on knee joint health in several ways.

The Connection Between Smoking and Arthritis

The connection between smoking and arthritis might not be immediately apparent, but the effects are profound. Nicotine and other harmful chemicals in cigarettes impair blood circulation, which can reduce the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to the knee joints and surrounding tissues. This compromised blood flow can hinder the body’s ability to repair and maintain cartilage and other connective tissues, increasing the risk of joint degeneration and arthritis.

Moreover, smoking contributes to overall inflammation in the body, which can exacerbate joint pain and stiffness. The harmful effects of smoking can also interfere with the body’s ability to heal from injuries or surgeries, making recovery more challenging. As a result, smoking not only accelerates the deterioration of knee joint health but also complicates efforts to manage or recover from arthritis-related issues.

Impact of Smoking on Knee Health

Smoking has several negative impacts on knee health:

• Accelerated cartilage breakdown: Cartilage, the cushioning material in joints, is essential for smooth movement of the knee joints. Smoking accelerates the degeneration of cartilage, leading to arthritis, a condition marked by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
• Reduced blood flow: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the knees. This decreased blood flow hampers the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to the cartilage, hindering its repair and regeneration.
• Weak bones: Smoking interferes with the body’s ability to absorb calcium, a crucial mineral for bone health. Weaker bones are more susceptible to stress and injury, increasing the risk of knee problems.

The Link Between Smoking and Arthritis

The combined impact of these factors makes smokers considerably more prone to developing severe knee arthritis. Furthermore, smokers with arthritis are at an increased risk of complications, including infection, delay in healing, and further joint deterioration.

Looking Forward

Quitting smoking can help reverse some of the damage and enhance knee health. Even if you have been a long-term smoker, quitting can still offer substantial benefits. It’s never too late to stop smoking. If you’re a smoker with arthritis, taking steps to quit smoking can greatly improve your knee health and overall well-being. There are various smoking cessation programs and medications available to support your efforts to quit. The connection between smoking and arthritis is clear, and by recognizing the risks and taking steps to quit smoking, you can improve your quality of life.

The post Why do Smokers Face a Higher Risk of Arthritis? appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: A holistic approach along with Scientific approach is key to the management of arthritis, opined various experts at the   National Patients’ Convention at Poona Club on Sunday organized by Mission Arthritis India  (MAI). The program was inaugurated in the 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 the Late Mr. P.C. Nahar Oration  Award, Jimit Thakkar, Co-founder of Stand for AS was presented with Shri Haribhau Rathiji Vata Viruddha  YODDHA Award while Supriya Shinde was presented with  Vata Viruddha YODDHA Award from Center for Rheumatic Diseases (CRD).

Chief Guest Dr. Kavita Krishna said that 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 the treatment of arthritis. A holistic approach to the management of arthritis is the key.

Dr. Arvind Chopra said that It takes time for the medicines to show effect and for the pain to subside in the case of rheumatoid arthritis. So at the start, if a doctor has prescribed painkillers 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, the impact of pollution, weather and season change on arthritis patients, traditional therapies in arthritis, etc.

The post Mission Arthritis India  Organizes Annual  National Patients’ Convention  appeared first on NRI News.