Osteoporosis prevention – a new picture emerges
Posted
by DPS
Half of women and a quarter of men over the age of 60 in Australia will suffer a bone fracture, with most injuries occurring in the hip, spine or wrist, new research shows.
But, Australians can reduce the risk by having three daily servings of dairy to give them the recommended daily calcium intake of 1,000 mg/day. (Lactose intolerant people can eat soy or tofu.)
The Federal Minister for Ageing and Acting Minister for Health, Mrs Justine Elliot, has urged Australians to increase their calcium intake.
“An extra glass of milk a day, or an extra serve of cheese and a rigorous walk may just do the trick.
“To an older Australian, a hip injury can be devastating.
“On average, a person will spend at least 11 days in hospital for treatment of a hip fracture.
“Many people cannot return to the life they had before a fracture,” Mrs Elliot said.
The Minister made these comments when she launched ‘A Picture of Osteoporosis in Australia’, as part of ‘Healthy Bones Week’.
Mrs Elliot has ministerial responsibility for policies on injury/falls prevention, arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.
“Osteoporosis is often seen as a silent disease, as few Australians actually see or feel the signs until they suffer a break,” Mrs Elliot said.
‘Healthy Bones Week’ (3-9 August), highlights the important role of calcium in developing and maintaining healthy bones.
‘A Picture of Osteoporosis in Australia’ outlines the impact of osteoporosis on the community, and the latest preventive techniques and management of the disease.
It combines descriptive information with facts and figures, such as where fractures occur, as well as treatment.
The booklet is the second in a series, and was produced jointly by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW’s) National Centre for Monitoring Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions, and Osteoporosis Australia.
