Happy World Osteoporosis Day!

World Osteoporosis Day occurs annually on October 20th to increase global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.  The World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) 2018 campaign calls for global action to improve bone health and prevent fractures due to osteoporosis, including vertebral (spine) fractures which often remain undiagnosed and untreated.

Here are some facts about osteoporosis and the effect it has on society:

• Osteoporosis is the hidden, underlying cause of painful, debilitating and life-threatening fractures
• The most common of 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.

You can take action to help remedy this growing global epidemic!  Sign the IOF Global Patient Charter and join us in calling on healthcare providers to close the massive ‘care gap’.

Check out this video from American Bone Health for more information!