More than 36,000 people living in the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury have poor bone health, according to Osteoporosis Australia, but many may not realise it until it’s too late.
Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman joined Olympic Gold medallist and world champion hurdler, Sally Pearson, and former Australian cricket captain, Michael Clarke, to encourage residents to Know Your Bones as part of an awareness campaign for World Osteoporosis Day (October 20).
“According to Osteoporosis Australia, 67 percent of people aged 50 and over in the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains, have poor bone health,” she said.
“Every year, more than one thousand fractures occur, often from just a minor bump or fall, but many could have been prevented with early diagnosis and treatment.
“Poor bone health can lead to osteoporosis which makes bones become brittle, leading to a higher risk of breaks than in normal bones resulting in fractures and in some cases immobility.
“Any bone can be affected by osteoporosis, but the most common sites are the hip, spine and wrist. Unfortunately, osteoporosis usually has no symptoms until a fracture occurs,” Ms Templeman said.
“I’ll be getting online and using the Know Your Bones self-assessment tool http://www.knowyourbones.org.au/, developed by Osteoporosis Australia and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, and I urge everyone aged 50 and over to do the same.”
Sally Pearson said it is very important that Australians are aware of their bone health.
“With my own personal history of bone fractures, I understand how important it is to look after your bones.
“I’d encourage more Australians to use the Know Your Bones online self- assessment tool.
“I also encourage anyone with concerns about their results to talk to their GP,” Ms Pearson said.
Osteoporosis currently affects more than 5.5 million Australians over 50. While osteoporosis disproportionately affects women, men also need to check their bone health with 25 percent of cases occurring in men.
Mr Clarke said: “A calcium rich diet with foods such as dairy, certain vegetables, fruit and nuts also helps to maintain your bone health. Looking after your bones is important for young people as well as men and women to reduce the risk of osteoporosis which can lead to broken bones.” Mr Clarke said.
