Yashoda Hospitals' Cyclothon Draws 500+ Riders to Spotlight Arthritis

Yashoda Hospitals staged a cyclothon from its Secunderabad campus to Hyderabad’s Necklace Road on Sunday, aiming to raise awareness of arthritis. ## What Happened The ride, titled “Pedal for Arthritis Awareness”, was held ahead of World Arthritis Day on Oct 12 and attracted more than 500 cyclists of varied ages and backgrounds. Director Pavan Gorukanti flagged off the event from the hospital’s Secunderabad facility. ## Reaction Gorukanti said the cyclothon is a public‑health push to promote early diagnosis and timely treatment of arthritis. He noted that arthritis affects an estimated 195 million people in India and that early detection, a healthy diet, regular exercise and routine check‑ups are key to joint health. Senior orthopaedic surgeon Vikram Byre, who led the initiative, emphasized that regular movement helps maintain joint function. ## Context Arthritis is one of the most common joint disorders in India, cutting across age groups and lifestyle. Public events that encourage physical activity can help people recognise symptoms early and seek medical care, potentially improving quality of life.