Kathmandu, October 13 World Arthritis Day was marked by organising various awareness programmes here today. Norvic International Hospital organised a motorcycle rally which started from Thapathali and passed through Tripureshwor, New Road, Kamalpokhari, Kalopool (Siphal), Jayabageshwori, Gaushala, Battisputali, Old Baneshwor, Babar Mahal before concluding on the premises of Norvic Hospital. Dr Arun Kumar Gupta, a consultant rheumatologist, said due to changing lifestyles, cases of arthritis and rheumatic had been increasing. “In fact, people of all ages are affected by this disease at some stage in their lives,” he said, adding that untreated rheumatic diseases might even reduce life expectancy. “Smoking, obesity, genetic conditions, certain occupational hazards and aging increase the risk of rheumatic diseases,” he said.  “World Arthritis Day is marked to raise awareness of RMDs, influence public policy by making decision-makers aware of the burden of RMDs and steps that can be taken to control it,” said RP Mainali, DGM of Corporate Communications at Norvic Hospital. Rheumatic diseases encompass more than 200 different conditions. They are characterised by pain and a consequent reduction in the range of motion and function in one or more areas of the musculoskeletal system. In some diseases, there are signs of inflammation, swelling, redness and warmth in the affected areas. Rheumatic diseases can also affect vital internal organs. “RMDs including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis affect men, women and kids of all ages in Nepal. More than a million Nepalis are suffering from RMDs in Nepal, claimed Dr Gupta.