Osteoporosis: what you need to know
Osteoporosis is commonly known as 'the silent disease' because there are no signs or symptoms before a person starts to break bones. However, this disease is not silent and the effects of undiagnosed/untreated osteoporosis are devastating.
Dr Jeetandera Rathi is a GP at the Carrig Medical Centre in Carrigaline and he spoke about the effects that osteoporosis can have ahead of the Cork Summer Show in the Curraheen Showgrounds this weekend. Those planning to attend the Cork Summer Show, which will take place this Saturday from 9am to 6pm are encouraged to assess and address their bone health by taking a free osteoporosis risk check. Located at the health and wellbeing zone, trained nurses will conduct the osteoporosis risk check which consists of eight questions and takes two minutes to complete.
Dr Rathi explained why it is important to assess and address osteoporosis.
For anyone that cannot attend Cork Summer Show on Saturday, they can visit riskcheck.iofbonehealth.org to complete the risk check online.
What are the risk factors for developing bone fractures and osteoporosis?
Factors that will increase the risk of developing osteoporosis include: having a mother (or family member) with a history of osteoporosis and osteoporotic hip fractures doubles your risk of hip fracture. Cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, lack of exercise, and a diet low in calcium are all risk factors. Poor nutrition and poor general health are also risk factors. Finally, certain chronic conditions (such as coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease) can predispose you to developing secondary osteoporosis.
How many people in Ireland are living with osteoporosis?
Over 300,000 people in Ireland are living with osteoporosis – it is a bone disease that affects half of all women and a fifth of all men in Ireland over the age of 50.
Why is it important to assess and address osteoporosis?
Often, the first indication of osteoporosis will be a bone fracture, which can be seriously debilitating and even life-limiting. In 2014 there were over 12,000 people hospitalised for osteoporosis-related bone fractures, and this is expected to rise to over 31,000 by 2046 – or bigger than the population of Navan. Many of these fractures are preventable with proper diagnosis and treatment. Identifying osteoporosis after the first fracture reduces the risk of a second fracture by 30-40 per cent – meaning greater mobility and more days with your children and grandchildren.
What is your advice for anyone concerned about their risk check?
Many of these fractures are preventable with proper diagnosis and treatment. If you have a family history of osteoporosis, previous fragility fractures, or are a post-menopausal woman, you may be at higher risk of osteoporosis. Speak to your GP about getting tested for osteoporosis.
What can people do to prevent conditions like osteoporosis?
The more people receive proper diagnosis and treatment, the more time and money would be saved for Ireland’s under-resourced health service. Implementing preventative and follow up care for osteoporosis-related bone fractures would save the health service approx. €188m each year and save over 78,000 hospital bed days. Remaining healthy, looking after yourself, regular exercise and good diet can help prevent development of osteoporosis.