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Osteoporosis

Our bones are living tissue that give our body structure, allow us to move and protect our organs. Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become thin and  lose their strength. This can lead to fractures, which cause pain and make everyday activities extremely difficult. After a hip fracture, about one-quarter of people die or never walk again. 

It’s estimated over 200 million women have osteoporosis. That’s more than the combined populations of the Germany, the United Kingdom and France.

Worldwide, one in three women and one in five men over the age of fifty will experience an osteoporotic fracture.

In fact, every three seconds a bone will break, somewhere in the world, because of this disease.

Many people won’t know they have osteoporosis until their first fracture, which is why it’s called the ‘silent disease’. Even after a break, it often goes untreated.

The good news is osteoporosis can be diagnosed and treated and fractures often prevented through healthy lifestyle choices and appropriate medication for those in need.
 

Our Bone Health Advocates

Jet Li, action film star

I think osteoporosis is a serious problem. When you have a lack of calcium you can easily get osteoporosis. We should be more concerned about our daily diet and having more exercise so we can maintain a healthy body. Then you will have more time to take care of your family and bring happiness to everyone.

Prof. Ethel Siris, president of National Osteoporosis Foundation (USA), IOF Board member. Message on the occasion of the IOF Women Leaders Roundtable 2006

Osteoporosis and fracture risk are under diagnosed and under treated in the US and world wide. We have the clinical, research, and public health knowledge to improve this, but there is a gap between what we know we need to do and what we are actually doing.

Dame Ellen MacArthur, solo long-distance yachtswoman

People thought I took a big risk when I sailed around the world by myself. However, there's one thing I don't take risks with, and that's my bone health, because without strong bones I wouldn't have been able to sail across so many seas. I'm not going to take any risks with my bones, and neither should you. Get yourself checked and beat the break, so you can continue doing what you like best.