OTS - On World Osteoporosis Day, take five steps to better bone health
2022. October 20. 07:00
Nyon, Switzerland, 20 October, 2022 (APA/OTS) - Today, on World
Osteoporosis Day, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)
calls on people of all ages to be proactive in taking steps for
better bone health and osteoporosis prevention.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that affects some 500 million
people worldwide and is a major cause of pain, disability and loss
of independence in older adults. Worldwide, one in three women and
one in five men aged over 50 will sustain an osteoporotic fracture.
Most people who have osteoporosis don't know their bones are
getting progressively weaker - until they experience a first broken
bone following just a minor slip or fall from standing height, or
sometimes even from bending over to tie a shoelace.
"A spinal fracture or a broken hip can be life-changing. This
is why early prevention of osteoporosis is so important. Although
much of our bone density is determined by genetic factors, there
are steps we can take to strengthen our bones and reduce the risk
of developing osteoporosis and suffering a fracture in the future,"
said IOF CEO Dr Philippe Halbout.
IOF recommends a five step approach to better bone health and
osteoporosis prevention.
Ensure a nutritious, balanced diet that includes enough
calcium, protein and other important vitamins and nutrients,
including vitamin D which is primarily made in the body when the
skin is exposed to sunlight, and which is contained in a limited
number of foods.
Keep moving! Physical activity is absolutely vital to bone
health. This is clear when one considers that adults who are
confined to bed may lose as much bone in a week than they would
otherwise lose in a year. Exercises which are weight-bearing and
help to strengthen muscles are ideal. This can include anything
from jogging and weight-training to lower-impact exercises like
walking or using elastic resistance bands. Practicing exercises
that improve balance can help reduce the risk of falling.
Generally, a minimum of 30-40 minutes of physical activity, two to
three times a week, is recommended. Anyone who has osteoporosis
should follow a targeted exercise plan as this is a key component
of treatment alongside any prescribed medication.
Stop bone-damaging habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol
intake.
Maintain a healthy body weight. Being underweight (generally a
BMI below 19 kg/m2) is a risk factor. Of special concern are young
people with eating disorders, as well as older adults with reduced
appetites.
Finally, early awareness of any personal risk factors is
critical. A broken bone after the age of 50, height loss of more
than 4 cm/1? in., and parental history of hip fracture - these are
just several of the key risk factors which should prompt
assessment. A DXA scan may be advised as a next step to help
determine whether you have osteoporosis and whether treatment is
needed.
The IOF Osteoporosis Risk Check
(https://riskcheck.osteoporosis.foundation/), a simple online
questionnaire, alerts to potential risk factors.
IOF President Professor Cyrus Cooper, added:
"As osteoporotic fractures can have devastating and
life-threatening consequences, we urge people of all ages to
prioritise osteoporosis prevention. Discuss bone health with your
doctor and don't hesitate to ask for assessment and care if you are
at risk. Remember, strong bones will help you stay mobile and
independent as you age."
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World Osteoporosis Day, marked on October 20, calls for global
action to fight osteoporosis and related fractures.
www.worldosteoporosisday.org
WOD Partners: Amgen, Sunsweet, Zuellig Pharma, Abbott,
Pharmanovia, Theramex
The International Osteoporosis Foundation is the world's
largest NGO dedicated to osteoporosis and fracture prevention.
www.osteoporosis.foundation
Picture is available at AP Images (http://www.apimages.com)
Media contact: L.Misteli, info@osteoporosis.foundation
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