TEHRAN –The national bone health week is being observed in the country from October 19 to 25, aiming to raise public awareness on osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is one of the most common chronic diseases and a socio-economic threat. With the aging of the population, it has become more prevalent worldwide.

The disease can lead to the destruction of bone tissues, loss of bone mass density as well as microstructure.

Known as a silent disease, it is not often detected until a fracture occurs.

In Iran, a high percentage of the country's elderly population is suffering from osteoporosis, the health ministry’s website quoted the deputy health minister Alireza Raeisi as saying. 

Fractures occur with little or even no force, like mild blows or falling from height. They affect the quality of life and lower overall health status. Health consequences include severe pain, disability, and loss of independence as well as an increase in mortality among the elderly, the official noted.

The health ministry is holding different programs to educate people on prevention, early detection, management, and treatment of the disease.

A public conference on osteoporosis and a seminar on osteoporosis updates are among the problems that will be held on October 23rd and 24th, respectively. 

The days of the week focus on the following topics.

Saturday, October 19, Osteoporosis and nutrition.

Sunday, October 20, Osteoporosis and physical activity.

Monday, October 21, Osteoporosis, vitamin D, and sunlight.

Tuesday, October 22, Osteoporosis, falls and fractures prevention.

Wednesday, October 23, Osteoporosis and timely diagnosis

Thursday, October 24, Osteoporosis and early treatment.

Friday, October 25, Osteoporosis and treatment follow-up.

World Osteoporosis Day, marked on October 20th each year, is a prime time to put the spotlight on osteoporosis.

Under the theme of ‘Say no to fragile bones’, this year’s World Osteoporosis Day campaign will seek to put an end to the inertia surrounding bone health by urging people of all ages to value and protect their bones. 

The following messages will be addressed to people of all ages, patients, healthcare professionals, and health authorities.

Our bone health is precious. Healthy bones are at the core of our well-being, mobility, and independence. People of all ages should protect their bone health by taking early action for osteoporosis prevention through bone-healthy nutrition, regular weight-bearing physical activity, and avoidance of negative lifestyle factors like smoking.

Osteoporosis matters. Osteoporosis is a serious health threat with potentially devastating consequences. Recognizing individual risk factors, prioritizing bone health (as cardiovascular health), asking for osteoporosis screening or testing upon identification of risk factors, and adhering to any prescribed medication regimen: through these strategies, we can bridge the osteoporosis care gap, safeguarding our mobility and independence as we age.

Make bone health a healthcare policy priority. With up to 37 million fragility fractures occurring globally each year, osteoporosis poses an enormous human and health economic burden worldwide.

Health authorities must prioritize bone health in a number of ways, including by investing in post-fracture care services. These services ensure that every fracture patient aged above 50 who goes to a hospital with a broken bone is expertly assessed and treated for osteoporosis to prevent recurring and potentially life-threatening fractures.

MT/MG