World Osteoarthritis Day: A unique opportunity to meet specialists in Brussels

On the event of World Osteoarthritis Day, dozens of healthcare professionals will meet in Brussels to discuss this disease. Surgeons, nutritionists, researchers, fitness trainers, veterinarians and other specialists will welcome members of the general public to SQUARE in Brussels on 14 and 15 September 2019. What treatment is available? How can the disease be prevented? What medical advances have been made in the fight against this disease? Specialists will answer as many patient questions as possible during this freeof-charge event which is open to all.

Today, there are approximately 300 million osteoarthritis victims worldwide. It is estimated that by 2050 there will be almost 600 million, 315 million of who will be over the age of 60.

Aside from a considerable socio-economic impact inflicted by osteoarthritis in terms of productivity loss, this severe illness also undermines the health of senior citizens and contributes to their loss of autonomy.

Fortunately, there have been major advances in recent years regarding the understanding of the illness, its prevention and treatment. Osteoarthritis is recognised as a true public health issue and a priority research area. Reaching those affected directly, namely patients and atrisk individuals, is an essential part of the fight against osteoarthritis. (Source: OARSI White paper. Osteoarthritis: A Serious Disease, Submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration December 1, 2016)

For the first time in Europe, the Osteoarthritis Foundation and the agency MCI Brussels, with the support of visit.brussels, are organising intergenerational events against osteoarthritis in Brussels. The organisers can count on the support of the President of the French League Against Rheumatism (AFLAR). This will be the most important, free-of-charge event concerning this illness!

 

 

For two days, specialists and researchers will give conferences that are opened to all. There will also be veterinarians available to domestic pets and their owners.

Introductory sessions to disciplines such as Tai Chi, Nordic walking and yoga will be organised. Dogs and their owners will be invited to go jogging together in order to demonstrate that their health is interconnected.

Event patrons, table tennis champion Jean-Michel Saive and his brother, will put on a breathtaking show and will participate in a debate on sport and osteoarthritis led by Philippe Antoine, RTBF sports journalist.

WODIES also provides a friendly environment for patients, healthcare professionals and researchers to discuss key issues.

Full programme: https://wodies2019.com