‘Arthritis cripples the entire family’

Braving the pain in their joints, arthritic patients marched with citizens of all ages to raise awareness about the disease that can afflict one yet affect the entire household.

I am 79 years old and have travelled all the way from Ghatkopar to Bandra to participate in this walkathon. Even at this age, by God's grace, I am not suffering from any ailment. I live an active life and can walk a great deal. Even this walkathon is great fun. I have come all the way to support the cause. We need to raise awareness about the issue. People need to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle to avoid such disorders.” — Nilchand Kapasi. Ghatkopar

I believe that the pressure of living in a metro and stress takes it toll on your body and that is why city-dwellers are more prone to arthritis compared to those living in villages.” — Narendra Chadda. Goregaon

I want to tell people, particularly youngsters, that they should take care of their health while they can. A person becomes conscious of his health only when he it deteriorates. Exercise regularly and keep healthy habits and you will not have to suffer the way we do.” — Narendra Chadda. Goregaon

Take up sports to stay fit

Arthritis is a part of the ageing process. My observation is that since women in the house work harder than men, they are less prone to arthritis and similar disorders.
It's very important to stay active. Blood circulation keeps the muscles in good shape and one must try and perform some sort of physical activity every day. It can be just a simple walk or some light stretching exercises at home. It's important to make at least 15 minutes for yourself in the course of the day. The best option is, of course, to take up any sport. It's a fun way of keeping fit. — Austin Peirera. Bandra

Arthritic pain is unbearable

The walkathon is a great way to increase awareness about arthritis. When so many people walk together, people will take note. And it’s important, because in today's world, people are not giving enough time for themselves. Arthritis is a very bad condition and the pain can be unbearable.

The incidence of this condition also seems to be on the rise. Which is why it's important that people wake up to reality and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.— Parsani

Don’t suffer the way we do

I want to take part in this walkathon, because I want to be a part of this awareness campaign. I am already engaged in children's and elders' homes and do my best to help them.

I want to tell people, particularly youngsters, that they should take care of their health while they can. A person becomes conscious of his health only when he it deteriorates. Exercise regularly and keep healthy habits and you will not have to suffer the way we do. — Sister Shalini Kamat. Andheri

Exercise and yoga hasn't helped much

Arthritis is a problem that most elders face and there does not seem to be a cure for it. There are different types of arthritis and they have to be treated accordingly. I believe that the pressure of living in a metro and hypertension takes it toll on your body and that is why city-dwellers are more prone to arthritis compared to those living in villages.
I have come here to participate in this walkathon because I feel it is a genuine effort by the Dignity Foundation to spread awareness about this crippling disease.

I have heard people say that exercise helps combat arthritis. I regularly practice yoga, do pranayam, go on walks and exercise regularly. Yet, I suffer from arthritis. Each morning my finger and knee joints get stiff and ache. It's only after some pranayam and light stretching and loosening exercise that they become somewhat normal. I also practice accupressure and have helped people many get rid of their ailments. Surprisingly, it does not seem to work on me. — Narendra Chadda. Goregaon

Celeb speak

They are so full of life

Looking at the enthusiasm of the participants here, no one will say they are old. All of them seem young at heart. There's something that youngsters like me need to learn from them. It feels great to champion a cause like this. — Shreyas Talpade. Actor

Experts speak

It helps to listen to your body

There are about 100 types of arthritis but the major ones can be classified into two types — Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid. While Osteoporosis is due to wear and tear of the body and normally affects elders, rheumatoid afflict the younger population, mostly women. About 15 per cent of women suffer from this condition.

The worst thing people do is self-medicate. Just because a person says that a particular medicine, oil or massage helped him, you should not go ahead and try it. Every body is different and there are different reasons for arthritis. What worked for one need not work for the other.

Rheumatoid arthritis can be controlled by exercise and medication but there is no permanent cure. However, ensure that you don’t overexert. This could aggravate the problem by speeding up body wear and tear.

Youngsters should take care of their health so that they don’t develop arthritis. Abuse and unhealthy habits can push you towards arthritic condition by speeding up body and bone degeneration. Our body is very intelligent and knows what’s good for it. Thus, it makes sense to listen to your body. Also, understand that every body is different. If a particular habit or food is good for one person, doesn’t necessarily make it good for you. — Dr CJ Thakkar. Orthopaedic surgeon

Arthritis cripples the body and the mind

Arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease, not only cripples the body but also mind. By restricting your movements, it makes you feel dejected and depressed. If a person is forced into seclusion, he loses his zest for life. A walk can do wonders for body and mind. This is the very reason why I have come to participate in this walkathon.

Arthritis affects not only the person afflicted but the entire family. If a person of a family suffers from this disease, the entire family loses its gait. The disease has more social impact than what catches the eye.

With more than 100 types of arthritis, medical science does not yet have a permanent cure. However, through medicines and exercises they can be controlled. Surgery can help in cases where medicines don't work. There are cases where after knee replacement, the patient is living a healthy and active life. Rheumatoid arthritis, which mostly ails youngsters, can be controlled and corrected if detected early. — Dr Rajesh Maniar. Lilavati and Breach Candy Hospital