World Osteoporosis Day is celebrated globally and annually on October, 20. It is a day that is set aside to raise worldwide awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of the condition.
Osteoporosis is a medical condition that weakens bones making them fragile and brittle with a likeness to break. The most common injury is a broken wrist. This condition can be treated but not cured. It is a result of lifelong lack of calcium and eating disorders.
Low calcium intake contributes to a diminished bone density, early bone loss and increased risk of fractures.
Statistically, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men aged 50 years and over will suffer an osteoporosis fracture. Women tend to have a higher prevalence of osteoporosis after 5 to 7 years of menopause as they tend to lose their bone density by 20 per cent.
Bone is living tissue in the body that is broken down and replaced constantly. However, osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bones does not keep up with the same pace as that of the loss of old bones.
The main and common symptoms of this health condition include lower back pain, height loss, a curved or stooped shape of the spine and fragility-related fractures.
Be a part of the initiative that aims at campaigning towards improving the lives of those living with and affected by osteoporosis.
It is imperative that we join hands and create an easily accessible and conducive society for those with this lifelong condition.
BY CHRISTINE OMONDI.