World Osteoporosis Day will be observed on 20th October around the world, organised by International Osteoperosis Foundation (IOF) to raise awareness of this condition which causes bones to become thin and frail. The International Osteoperosis Foundation was established in 1998 to provide a global alliance for those concerned about bone health and to help those who suffered from osteoperosis. Osteoporosis is a “porous bone” disease that causes reduction in the density and quality of the bones, which increases the risk of fractures. Quite often a person does not realise that they have the disease until they suffer their first fracture. The most common places for the fractures are the hip, spine and wrist. And the risk of fracture increases in both men and women with age.
The 2011 theme for the day is “ Three Steps to Prevention: Calcium, Vitamin D and Exercise”.
The IOF aims to improve public awareness and understanding of the condition, as well as informing individuals and health care professionals about the best treatments. Women should know the fact that post-menopause the risk of osteoporosis increases, thus extra care should be taken of their bones and health. Men should be aware of the fact that they too are susceptible to Osteoporosis thus they should give special consideration to their health rather than remaining ignorant about it. People who have experienced a fracture in the past are at higher risk of having osteoporosis and thus they need to take especially good care and proper preventive measures lest their condition deteriorate.
