RAISING AWARENESS : Rajgopal Foundation is dedicated to increasing the public's knowledge of Arthritis and encourages society to reap the benefits of exercise. We do this by organising interactive workshops, talks, camps and events

Bone/Joint health and Arthritis.One of the most common causes of joint replacements is Arthritis, a widespread condition with no permanent cure. There are over 100 types of arthritis and we are focused on two of the most prevalent- Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where joint health deteriorates with age, i.e. wear and tear over the years, while Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune condition. It is marked by pain and swelling of the joints. Both of these are increasingly common and can give rise to other conditions affecting the eyes, heart and lungs. The general public, particularly the urban and rural poor are unaware of the condition's existence and by default, remain unaware of symptoms, and the treatment options. Too often, joint pain, swelling and stiffness is attributed to a by-product of age or the type of work they are engaged in, hard labour for example. While it is true that this can and does affect the progress of the condition, not all joint pain is related to arthritis. This is why diagnosis is important. Early diagnosis is key to understanding the exacerbating factors, managing the symptoms and slowing down the rate at which the joint deteriorates. When diagnosed early, timely and proper treatment can be administered and this contributes to the impact on daily life, both physically and mentally.

Exercise and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.It is widely accepted that exercise is necessary to maintain general well being and a healthy mind and body. What is less well known is that exercise, even something as simple as walking, is one of the most effective ways to manage the symptoms of arthritis. It alleviates joint pain and stiffness by loosening and strengthening the muscles around the joint thus providing a strong support system for joints.

A growing trend of sedentary, fast paced lifestyles have contributed to a rise in heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. These are also secondary conditions of arthritis which can affect major organs. Exercising for even thirty minutes a day can reduce the chances of these escalating into grave concerns.

Knowledge has a beginning but no end. Geeta S Iyengar