The three most prevalent rheumatic conditions that affect women in the UAE are osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and vitamin D deficiency, said healthcare experts speaking at the Women’s Health conference at the Obs-Gyne Exhibition and Congress, today.
Experts warned that it is essential to highlight these conditions as they are often debilitating and silent, and if not addressed, may cause further health complications.
The exhibition, which is organised by Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions and runs until March 31st at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, features more than 50 of the region's leading suppliers and solution providers of the women's health industry, three conferences which are CME accredited by the Cleveland Clinic, and addresses major health issues affecting women in the region.
According to Dr. Humeira Badsha, Consultant Rheumatologist at Dr. Humeira Badsha Medical Centre, Dubai, "Rheumatic conditions are more common in women more than men. Approximately 65% of females suffer from them compared with 35% of males. Increased awareness is important, especially health issues with the potential to deteriorate."
Dr. Badsha moderated the Women’s Health Programme which looked at updates and advances in the management of hypertension, menopause, breast cancer screening, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism, among other topics.
"Women often do not realise that osteoporosis can be a silent disease until they suffer complications, such as a bone fracture after a minor fall. Additionally, they often delay seeking medical help for arthritis, for instance, until it is quite advanced. Increased awareness of these conditions can help in prevention and effective treatment," said Dr. Badhsa.
Research conducted in Dubai indicates that screening programmes have detected high levels of osteopenia and osteoporosis, and statistics show that an osteoporotic fracture occurs every three seconds, with one in three women and one in five men over 50 in the country being at risk of osteoporotic fracture.
"Studies have shown that 70% of post-menopausal women in the UAE and a quarter of healthy young adults have low bone mass. Currently, vitamin D deficiency affects 90% of women in the UAE," Dr. Badsha added.
Source: WAM