Osteoporosis is a disease in which the density and strength of the bone are reduced. Osteoporosis affects over 200 million people in the world. This is according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation. Because of its prevalence, osteoporosis is considered a significant public health concern.
A vast majority of these women are likely to experience at least one bone fracture during their remaining years. Once a fracture occurs, it increases the likelihood of having another. Common fractures caused by osteoporosis include vertebral fractures, hip fractures, and wrist fractures.
White and Asian women, especially those past menopause, are at the highest risk of getting osteoporosis. Other people are at risk of getting this degenerative bone disease. These people include those with a family history of the disease and men and women with smaller body frames. People who do not get enough calcium, and those who have had gastrointestinal surgery are also more prone to getting osteoporosis.
There is no cure for osteoporosis. Once bone loss occurs, it’s not possible to get it back. This is why prevention is the best medicine. One of the best ways to prevent osteoporosis is to get adequate amounts of calcium. Foods rich in calcium include:
- Low-fat dairy products
- Almonds and almond milk
- Dark leafy green vegetables
- Canned salmon or sardines with bones
- Calcium-fortified orange juice
Another way to prevent osteoporosis is to practice weight-bearing activities. Getting enough Vitamin D is also essential.
The United Kingdom’s National Osteoporosis Society launched World Osteoporosis Day on October 20th, 1996. The International Osteoporosis Foundation has supported the day since 1997. The World Health Organization (WHO) acted as co-sponsor of World Osteoporosis Day in 1998 and 1999. Today, national osteoporosis patient societies host events in over 90 countries throughout the world.
This year 2022, the World Osteoporosis Day theme is “Step Up For Bone Health”, intending to encourage people around the world to check for bone density and bone health status regularly (especially people above 50) and inculcate healthy lifestyle to strengthen the bone health. The theme “Step Up For Bone Health” appeals the global healthcare organizations and policymakers to create better opportunities and accessible facilities for everyone to avail of timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent torments of osteoporosis and its complications.
Source: www.worldosteoporosisday.org
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