Date:08/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/08/stories/2009010852120300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore

Walkathon planned

Special Correspondent

COIMBATORE: Ganga Hospital here has planned a walkathon for January 10 to spread awareness on arthritis and to dispel myths surrounding joint replacement surgery.

Actor Sivakumar will flag off the walkathon in which people who had undergone knee joint replacement surgery and family members will take part, Director and Head of the Department of Orthopaedics and Spine Surgery at the hospital S. Rajasekaran told presspersons on Wednesday.

The general public who wanted to be part of this sensitisation effort could also take part, he said.

The 1.2 km walkathon from Bharathi Park to the hospital would be followed by a talk by the actor on the importance of being independent during old age.

Explaining the reason behind such a topic, the surgeon said people with fourth stage arthritis had to be carried around. Awareness was vital for the elderly to ensure they were not dependent on others for mobility.

As for the fear that artificial joints last for only five years, Dr. Rajasekaran contended that these last for 30 years.