World Osteoporosis Day is observed annually on 20 October, and launches a year-long campaign dedicated to raising global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. Organised by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) every year, World Osteoporosis Day involves campaigns by national osteoporosis patient societies from around the world with activities in over 90 countries.
Your risk of developing osteoporosis and fragility fractures is determined by a number of factors, some of which can be changed (e.g. exercise, nutrition and smoking) while others cannot (e.g. family history, age at menopause and diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis). While peak bone mass is highly genetically determined, after 65 years of age genetics play a diminishing role in bone loss and other factors, such as exercise and nutrition, play an increasingly important role.
Maintaining a healthy skeleton involves five essential strategies to reduce your risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
- Exercise regularly
- Ensure a diet rich in bone-healthy nutrients
- Avoid negative lifestyle habits and maintain a healthy weight
- Identify the risk factors which you can’t change
- Talk to your doctor: get tested, get treated if required
Source: World Osteoporosis Day
