Osteoporosis, meaning porous bones, affects millions around the world. One in three women and one in five men over 50 will have an osteoporotic fracture at some point, which can lead to long-term pain and have a crippling impact on health.  

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and break easily, even from a small fall, sudden movement, or a sneeze. Most people don’t even know they have it until they break a bone – but the earlier it’s diagnosed, the better, as treatment can begin. 

World Osteoporosis Day was created to raise worldwide awareness of the condition and how to prevent, diagnose and treat it. Falling on October 20 each year, the campaign aims to make osteoporosis a global health priority.  

Everyone should be aware of the risks of osteoporosis, and take steps to minimise them wherever you can. Here are a few ways to help take care of yourself and your bones: 

  • Do plenty of weight-bearing exercise. 
  • Get a good diet with plenty of calcium, vitamin D and protein.  
  • Avoid smoking or drinking excessively, and keep to a healthy weight. 

  

Are you at risk – and what should you do about it? 

Women are generally more at risk, but osteoporosis can affect anyone at any age. Just some of the risk factors include:  

  • A family history of osteoporosis 
  • Taking high-dose steroid tablets for more than three months, or long-term use of medicines like anti-oestrogen tablets 
  • Certain medical issues like inflammatory or hormone-related conditions 
  • Having or having experienced an eating disorder 

 

You can check out your risk factors here. 

If you think you might have or be likely to get osteoporosis, speak to your doctor and they can arrange for tests. The sooner it’s diagnosed, the sooner treatment can start to strengthen your bones and stop the damage.  

 

References