World Osteoporosis Day is celebrated on the 20th of October annually. It is a campaign which calls global action to improve bone health and prevent fractures from osteoporosis.
The campaign calls on the public to take early action in order to enjoy a good quality of life. Osteoporosis often is undiagnosed and untreated. By ‘closing the care gap’ through timely assessment and treatment, health professionals, government health authorities, and hospitals can work together to reduce the human and socioeconomic burden of fragility fractures.
Take a look at the key messages of World Osteoporosis Day 2018:
Osteoporosis is the hidden, underlying cause of painful, debilitating and life-threatening fractures.
The most common of osteoporotic fractures are spine (vertebral) fractures, a major cause of pain, disability and loss of quality of life.
Up to 70% of spine fractures remain undiagnosed, leaving sufferers unprotected against the high risk of more fractures.
Back pain, weight loss and stooped back are all possible signs of spinal fractures – ask for testing and treatment!
A family history of osteoporosis and broken bones is a sign that you too may be at higher risk of osteoporosis.
Advocate! Sign the IOF Global Patient Charter and join us in calling on healthcare providers to close the massive ‘care gap’ .
Osteoporosis is a growing global problem that respects no boundaries: worldwide, fractures affect one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50.
How to get involved:
1. Join the official mailing list here. This is free and you will receive monthly updates on the campaign and information regarding osteoporosis.
2. Download resources from the official website here and share it within your community and social media.
3. Sharing your story with info@iofbonehealth.org. This can help others relate and see that there are people going through the same issues they are facing.
Make a difference this World Osteoporosis Day! Join the campaign and spread the knowledge of Osteoporosis.
References:
WORLD OSTEOPOROSIS DAY SURVEY
INTERNATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS FOUNDATION
Take a look at our Gap Cover page, to cover the shortfall between what service providers charge and what your medical aid scheme will cover for in-hospital expenses.
