Strengthening the nation’s bones on World Osteoporosis Day

We’re teaming with Osteoporosis Australia today to pose a candid question to the 6.6 million Australians living with low bone density – “How dense are you?”

To answer this question, Osteoporosis Australia is releasing a simple ‘Dense test’ as part of a national awareness drive to alert people at-risk of brittle bones.

Osteoporosis is a disease that leads to reduced bone strength and increased risk of fracture, particularly of the spine, hip and wrist; while low bone density (osteopenia) is a condition of low bone mineral density (BMD) and is considered a potential precursor to osteoporosis.

See the difference between a healthy bone and an osteoporotic bone in this 3D animation:

How dense are you? World Osteoporosis Day 2012 from VIVA! Communications on Vimeo.

Regrettably, bone health ranks very poorly on the public’s agenda, with 1.2 million people living with osteoporosis and 5.4 million living with osteopenia.

Luckily, there are ways to help prevent osteoporosis. For one, it’s important to know your risk factors.

Check out the below “osteographic” for all the facts and stats:

Remember, if you’re over 50 and have risk factors for low bone density, you need to talk to your doctor, who can determine your need for a bone density scan. For more information head to howdenseareyou.org.au

References

Henry MJ, Pasco JA, Nicholson GC, Kotowicz MA. Prevalence of osteoporosis in Australian men and women: Geelong Osteoporosis Study. MJA September 19, 2011; 195 (6): 321-322.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Arthritis and osteoporosis in Australia. Cat No PHE 106. Canberra. December 2008.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Australia’s health 2010. Cat. no. AUS 122. Canberra: AIHW.

Osteoporosis Australia: What you need to know about Osteoporosis: Consumer Guide. 2012.