A Chiropractic specialist, Dr. Joseph Afor has cautioned Ghanaians against long hours of sitting, frequent bending and other unhealthy activities which he says account for some cases of arthritis.
His advice comes at the back of World Arthritis Day 2021 celebrated October 12 annually to raise awareness about arthritis, a disease estimated to affect approximately 350 million people worldwide.
Arthritis is an inflammation (swelling, pain, redness) in the joints and a common form of arthritis that usually affects people over the age of 60 known as Osteoarthritis.
It is the wearing down of the protective tissue at the ends of bones (cartilage), which occurs gradually and worsens over time.
Another type of arthritis is autoimmune arthritis. With this, we find people of varying ages and even those as young as 2 exhibiting arthritis symptoms.
Speaking on the significance of the day, Dr. Afor said it is important to avoid red meat and alcoholic beverages as they are noted to be some of the causes of arthritis.
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He added that exercising frequently is the sure way to go against arthritis.
“Don’t sit and watch TV for too long without standing up and when you want to wash, put the basin on a table and sit or stand and wash. Anything to put movement into the joint is a healer”.
World Arthritis Day 2021 was celebrated under the theme “Don’t delay, connect today: Time2work”.
Source: Lydia Sekyi Acquah & Rosemary Lebene Sabakpo/ATLFMNEWS
