World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) is observed every year on 20^th October across the world dedicated to create global awareness for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. WOD aims to make osteoporosis and fracture prevention a global health priority by reaching out to health professionals, policy makers and public at large.

WOD 2021 comes with the theme Take action for bone health. Osteoporosis can be prevented and treated.

It focuses the need to take specific actions for better bone health at all ages and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in adult life.

Osteoporotic fractures cause huge socio-economic costs to society and healthcare systems. Only 20% of fractures caused by osteoporosis are diagnosed or treated for osteoporosis which is the underlying disease. These fractures can be prevented if right action is taken at the right time.

#CaptureTheFracture #ActionForPrevention #osteoporosis #bonehealth #WorldOsteoporosisDay

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle leading to fractures, especially in the spine, hip and wrist. Women are at greater risk of osteoporosis than men, especially after the age of 50.

Common risk factors for osteoporosis and fragility fractures include:

• A broken bone after the age of 50
• Height loss of 4 cm or more, stooped back
• Early menopause
• Being underweight (body mass index below 19)
• Medical conditions associated with osteoporosis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, breast or prostate cancer, or certain digestive diseases
• Medications causing osteoporosis, such as longer-term daily use of glucocorticoids (steroids)
• Parental history of hip fracture or osteoporosis
• Sedentary lifestyle (little physical activity)
• Smoking and excessive drinking

Anyone with risk factors and all postmenopausal women and older men should start a dialogue about bone health at their next check-up

How to notice bones are osteoporotic:

The person with the following symptoms is likely to suffer from osteoporosis-

• Low backache or neck pain
• Loss of height over time
• Stooped/bent posture
• Fracture of hip or spine or bones of wrist usually result from fall
• A bone health assessment and bone mineral density determination

 Tips to keep your bones healthy

• Take a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D such as milk, yoghurt, green leafy vegetables.
• Safe exposure to sunlight.
• Exercise regularly to prevent bone loss. Weight-bearing, muscle-strengthening and balance-training exercises are good for bones.
• Avoid smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol.
• Engage yourself in stress relief activities such as yoga, meditation
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are at high risk, you may need medication.

You can do your Osteoporosis risk check

Related Pages:

World Osteoporosis Day 2020

World Osteoporosis Day 2019

References:

http://worldosteoporosisday.org/

http://worldosteoporosisday.org/resources

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23actionforprevention

https://www.worldosteoporosisday.org/about-osteoporosis