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Are you wearing white on World Osteoporosis Day?

Posted by
Mairead Kearney, Patient Solutions Team
18-Oct-2013
Osteoporosis awareness advocates from around the world will dress in white to mark World Osteoporosis Day. October 20th marks the launch of a year-long campaign dedicated to raising global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.

The theme for 2013, ‘postmenopausal women & their bone health,’ will highlight the reasons why women in particular are at greatest risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Additionally, the marketing of WOD2013 will include an emphasis on intergenerational bone health awareness, and secondary fracture prevention messages will be integrated into the 2013 theme when possible.

A series of events will be held to mark the day which has been organised annually by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) since 1997. The IOF is encouraging those who wear white in support of better bone health to submit pictures to their Facebook page.

A range of resources are freely available from the IOF website, including posters and a patient leaflet. You can also take a one-minute osteoporosis risk test or share it with a friend or family member.

One in three women and one in five men aged over 50 will have an osteoporotic bone fracture1, generally in the hip, spinal vertebrae or wrist.

Women and men with a family history of osteoporosis are more likely to develop the condition yet most are unaware that they are at risk.

Osteoporotic fractures can be very painful and disabling, resulting in pain as well as loss of mobility and independence.
 
While osteoporosis is seen in later life, the foundations of strong bones are laid earlier. The IOF is reminding us that good bone health should be our goal at all stages of life. Raising awareness of the disease and its associated risk factors with people of all ages is important so that younger people can take action before symptoms appear.

Diet and exercise are essential to building strong bones and preventing osteoporosis. A balanced diet that includes protein, fruit, vegetables, vitamins and minerals is important. The two most important nutrients for strong bones are calcium and vitamin D.

Find out more on the IOF website.


Reference
  1. International Osteoporosis Foundation. Facts and Statistics Accessed 11th October 2013 from http://www.iofbonehealth.org/facts-statistics#category-14

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