Action for bone health is needed now more than ever, urges IOF
PR92458
NYON, Switzerland, Oct. 20, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --
On World Osteoporosis Day, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)
points to the pandemic's negative impact on global bone health and calls for
renewed attention to osteoporosis prevention and post-fracture care
A backlog in osteoporosis assessments, treatment delays, and sedentary indoor
lifestyles: these are just several ways in which the Covid-19 pandemic has
impacted bone health and disrupted global osteoporosis care.
Osteoporosis is a common bone disorder that leads to weak and fragile bones
which fracture easily. An osteoporotic fracture typically occurs as a result of
a minor fall from standing height, or even from bending to pick up a grocery
bag.
Worldwide, osteoporosis-related fractures affect up to one in three women and
one in five men aged 50 years and over. Approximately 9 million fractures occur
annually, with an enormous impact on patients and their families as well as on
healthcare systems. Among the major osteoporotic fractures, spine and hip
fractures have the most severe consequences and result in enormous long-term
medical costs. Because of the disability and loss of function following a hip
fracture, 33% of hip fracture patients are totally dependent or in a nursing
home in the year following the fracture.
IOF President Professor Cyrus Cooper noted:
"The pandemic's continuing toll on bone health and the timely delivery of
osteoporosis assessment and care is of global concern. Given this backdrop, it
is more important than ever to be proactive on behalf of bone health.
Osteoporosis-related fractures are a major cause of pain, disability, and loss
of independence in older adults. Such life-changing injuries can be prevented
with life-long attention to bone health, and early diagnosis and appropriate
treatment for those at risk."
"Nevertheless, despite the immense burden of fragility fractures, osteoporosis
remains vastly under-diagnosed and under-treated. Even after an osteoporotic
fracture, approximately 80% of patients are not assessed or treated for the
underlying cause. This is inexcusable – and in stark contrast to
cardiovascular disease prevention, where patients are routinely treated for
high blood pressure or cholesterol to avoid potential strokes or heart attacks."
On World Osteoporosis Day, IOF and its global membership of more than 265
national patient and medical societies, call on individuals and health care
authorities alike to prioritize bone health and the prevention of fractures.
IOF urges all older adults to ensure they are exercising regularly, getting
enough vitamin D through exposure to sunshine or supplements, and eating
bone-healthy foods that contain calcium, protein, and other important
nutrients. The IOF Osteoporosis Risk Check, an online questionnaire, is a
simple way to be alerted to any key personal risk factors for the disease.
"If you're at risk, reach out to your doctor to ask for an assessment and
timely treatment. This is particularly important if you've already broken a
bone after the age of fifty, have noticed height loss or a stooped back, or
have a family history of osteoporosis," cautions the IOF President.
Without protective treatment, a first broken bone doubles the risk of further,
potentially life-threatening fractures. It is essential that anyone who has
sustained a fragility fracture gets post-fracture care for the prevention of
recurrent fractures. A global map of hospitals with Fracture Liaison Services
is available at www.capturethefracture.org
World Osteoporosis Day (WOD), held on October 20, calls for global action to
fight osteoporosis and related fractures. www.worldosteoporosisday.org
WOD Partners: Sunsweet, UCB, Amgen, Sandoz, Theramex
The International Osteoporosis Foundation is the world's largest
non-governmental organization dedicated to osteoporosis and fracture
prevention. www.osteoporosis.foundation
IOF Osteoporosis Risk Check: https://riskcheck.osteoporosis.foundation/
Media contact: L.Misteli, IOF info@osteoporosis.foundation
Source: The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)
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