Bone Health Course Part of Osteoporosis Study 

Participants in a 4-week osteoporosis course in Clayton, led by Jean Hailes osteoporosis educator, Nikki McGrath, will take part in a research study being undertaken by the University of Melbourne and Arthritis Victoria.

The osteoporosis prevention and self-management course was developed by Arthritis and Osteoporosis Victoria. The course offers people with risk factors the opportunity to learn prevention tips and people who have osteoporosis ways to manage it more effectively.

Ms McGrath, a program manager at  national women’s health organisation the Jean Hailes Foundation says the course offers people practical lifestyle tips, such as what physical activity is best for your bones, what foods are high in calcium and how to work with your health practitioner to best manage symptoms.

“It’s really important for people who are either at risk or already have osteoporosis to know that there are things they can do to reduce the rate of decline of their bone density,” she said.

Project Investigator Kate Francis from the Centre for Health, Exercise & Sports Medicine, School of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne hopes that the evaluation of the osteoporosis prevention and self-management course will, “show the positive impact the course has on participants health and quality of life, by providing the skills and confidence to manage their condition and reduce fracture risk.”

Important Bone Health Tips
It is never to late to start ‘healthy bone habits’, but the earlier in life, the better for your bones.

It is important to see your health practitioner before starting an exercise program.

Exercises that promote balance such as Tai Chi and exercises that strengthen muscles, such as walking, will help prevent falls.

There are plenty of inspirational older people who remain physically active as they age.

As you age, you need more calcium as your body becomes less efficient at absorbing calcium. If you find that you can not get 3-4 serves of dairy products per day you may need to talk to health practitioner about your individual calcium supplements.

Vitamin D is required for healthy bones. The main source of vitamin D comes from the sun. If you find it difficult to get outdoors, vitamin D supplements may need to be discussed with your health practitioner.

Healthy eating and an active lifestyle can help both in the prevention and management of osteoporosis.

For further information on bone health visit the Jean Hailes special website www.bonehealthforlife.org.au

If you are over 40 and want to take part in future osteoporosis research studies contact Kate Francis on (03) 8344 0486.

Statistics
It is estimated that nearly 2 million Australians currently have an osteoporosis related condition of which three quarters are women.

Osteoporosis currently affects approximately 10% of the Australian population. There is general concern that the prevalence of osteoporosis is only likely to increase over the next few years due to the fact that life expectancy of average Australians is increasing.

It is projected that by 2021, osteoporosis will affect some 13% of the Australian population.

In addition osteoporosis also has significant health related costs of $7.4 billion per annum. How common is osteoporosis?

After the age of 60 years, 1 in 2 Australian women and 1 in 3 Australian men will sustain an osteoporotic fracture.

Of all osteoporotic fractures in Australia, 46% are vertebral fractures, 16% are hip fractures and 16% are wrist fractures.

Hip fractures are particularly problematic as there is evidence to suggest that 50% of elderly patients sustaining a hip fracture need subsequent long-term nursing care.

There also is an increased risk of mortality associated with hip fractures with some figures indicating that 15% of hip fractures in the elderly lead to death within 4 months of the fracture.

It is important to look at ways to try and prevent the development of osteoporosis or at least treat it as early as possible so that the devastating affects of the condition can be minimised.

Page created October 11, 2005
Content October 11, 2005