Tamil Nadu   

Osteoporosis can strike earlier than you think

Ramya Kannan

Good news: it's never too late to slow or stop its progress

CHENNAI : If you think you need to worry about your bones only after touching 60, think again. According to a recent study, 66 per cent of women and 48 per cent of men above 50 years in Chennai are at risk of osteoporosis. Simply put, this means they can develop fractures if not treated and prevented.

The study, conducted by Soundarapandian Bone and Joint Hospital and Research Institute using the `One-Minute Osteoporosis Risk Test' designed by the International Osteoporosis Foundation, asked 450 people (115 women and 159 males) above 50 years 10 questions. The questions, which test the risk of a person for osteoporosis, revealed the high possibility of osteoporosis among those who underwent the test, according to S. Sivamurugan, director, Soundarapandian Hospital.

Osteoporosis (meaning porous bones) is a disease in which the density and quality of bones are reduced, leading to weakness of the skeleton and increased risk of fracture, particularly of the spine, hip, wrist, pelvis as well as upper arm.

Osteoporosis and associated fractures are an important cause of death, Dr. Sivamurugan added.

On World Osteoporosis Day on October 20, it is time to take a second look at the factors that weaken the bone structure and prevent the onset of osteoporosis with the right kind of care, according to Amol P. Khairnar.

Trying to demolish some of the myths regarding the disease, he said, osteoporosis is a serious condition that can strike men and women at any age. Following a healthy diet, including vitamin D, proteins, calcium, exercising regularly and periodically performing a quick and painless bone mineral density scan are ways to keep osteoporosis at bay, Dr. Khairnar said. There are also a wide range of therapeutic options.

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