Yashoda Hospitals Celebrates World Arthritis Day and Osteoporosis Day with Successful Walkathon
In a spirited effort to raise awareness about arthritis and osteoporosis, Yashoda Hospitals Somajiguda, Hyderabad, organized a grand walkathon on the occasion of World Osteoporosis Day, held at Peoples Plaza Square. Over 1,000 participants, including joint replacement patients and members of the community, came together to promote the importance of joint health.
World Osteoporosis Day is observed annually on October 20th and serves as a global health awareness event aimed at educating the public about rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Similarly, Arthritis Day, observed on October 12th, emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing arthritis to improve the quality of life for those affected.
Dr. Pavan Gorukanti, Director of Yashoda Hospitals, addressed the gathering, stating, “This awareness program and walk aim to dispel the myth that people with arthritis should avoid walking. On the contrary, walking can significantly slow the progression of arthritis and improve overall health.”
Senior Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Sunil Dachapalli highlighted the significance of raising awareness about arthritic conditions that affect the joints. He remarked, “As arthritis progresses, it may lead to unnecessary surgeries. We want to educate the public to help avoid these interventions.”
He shared several key recommendations for maintaining joint health:
- Engage in physical activity for 45 minutes a day, five days a week, to stay fit and healthy.
- Walking is a free activity that can be done by anyone, anywhere, at any time.
- Participants can choose their own distance and location.
- Moving the joints and body helps ease stiffness and alleviate posture-related pains.
- Spending time in nature provides fresh air, which can boost mental well-being.
The event was flagged off by Dr. Pavan Gorukanti and met with enthusiasm from over 1,000 participants, making it a grand success. This initiative not only fostered community spirit but also underscored the importance of staying active and informed about joint health.