Strong Bones Make Strong Women and Men

In Australia, two in three women, and one in three men over the age of 60 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their remaining lifetime. Currently over 2 million Australians are affected by the disease. Osteoporotic problems cost the Australian community an estimated $1 billion per year in direct costs. The total cost, which includes factors such as carers and lost income, is estimated to be $7 billion per year (or $20 million every day). Aside from these financial costs, fractures often affect mobility, lead to loss of confidence and quality of life, as well as increasing the risk of dying prematurely.¹

The 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.

1. Exercise regularly
2. Ensure a diet rich in bone-healthy nutrients
3. Avoid negative lifestyle habits and maintain a healthy weight
4. Identify the risk factors which you can't change
5. Talk to your doctor: get tested, get treated if required ²

This World Osteoporosis Day – 20 October 2013 learn become aware of how bone loss occurs without symptoms.

1: http://www.garvan.org.au/research/our-work/osteoporosis, Wednesday, 16 October 2013

2: http://www.worldosteoporosisday.org/about, Wednesday, 16 October 2013