World Osteoporosis Day is celebrated on October 20, annually with an aim to raise awareness and educate people about the causes, symptoms, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases across the globe. This day also focuses on the need to take prompt action for treating osteoporosis and averting fractures.

This year’s theme is “Take Action for Bone Health”, where people are educated about the value of taking care of the body and shielding the bones and muscles from disabling and life-threatening fractures. World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) is sponsored by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), which is intensely involved in creating awareness about this distressing bone disorder. Osteoporosis makes the bones so fragile and brittle that even the mildest action like a sneeze or fall can be lethal, causing everlasting pain and discomfort from whole bone breaks and fractures.

Facts on Osteoporosis:

• Osteoporosis is the hidden, underlying cause of painful, debilitating and life-threatening fractures
• The most common 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, height loss, and stooped back are all possible signs of spine 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
• 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.
• Osteoporosis is a disease that can have serious effects. It can lead to fractures, which can be painful, take a long time to heal, and lead to other complications. A lot can be done to prevent and treat osteoporosis, from eating right and exercising to taking appropriate medications.

Tips to Prevent Osteoporosis:

This year’s World Osteoporosis Day campaign theme is “Love your Bones,” which reminds everyone to help prevent osteoporosis by following three easy steps:

• Exercising weight-bearing joints,
• ensure you are getting enough vitamin D, and
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of calcium-rich foods