News
Guide to Osteoporosis for World Osteoporosis Day
To mark World Osteoporosis Day (20th October 2008) Professor Moira O’Brien, President of the Irish Osteoporosis Society (pictured right with Helen Brophy, CEO, NDC) launched a new “Guide to Osteoporosis” leaflet which was produced in partnership with the National Dairy Council. The information leaflet is designed to inform, guide and educate women and men of all ages, and children about osteoporosis and to help them adopt a ‘bone-friendly’ lifestyle.
Welcoming the partnership between the National Dairy Council and the Irish Osteoporosis Society on the production of the new Guide to Osteoporosis, Helen Brophy, Chief Executive of the NDC said that both organisations recognise the importance of dairy within a balanced diet as part of the preventative strategy for osteoporosis.
"Given that osteoporosis is a preventable disease, the Irish Osteoporosis Society and the National Dairy Council have a shared objective - to educate as many people as possible about osteoporosis, at all stages of life," said Helen Brophy. "The information within the guide is as relevant to young people as anyone else which is why we want to make it as accessible as possible through our web site, on request by calling either of our offices and also in coming months through GP surgeries and healthcare outlets."
Professor O’Brien said that she was delighted that the IOS is working in partnership with the NDC in the promotion of bone health and osteoporosis awareness.
For a free copy of the Guide to Osteoporosis please contact the Irish Osteoporosis Society on 1890 252 751 or the National Dairy Council on 01-6169726. The guide can also be downloaded from our Publications page. Look out for the launch of the new Irish osteoporosis website in the near future where this leaflet will also be available.
Osteoporosis on the Increase in Ireland - Prevention is the Key
Education, prevention and an increased public awareness of the risk factors of osteoporosis are vital if we are to reverse the growing numbers of Irish people developing the disease. This is according to Professor Moira O’Brien, President of the Irish Osteoporosis Society (IOS) who was speaking at the IOS Annual International Medical Conference in the Conrad Hotel in Dublin (Saturday 18th October, 2008).
At present it is estimated that 300,000 people in Ireland have osteoporosis with approximately one in three women over the age of 50 (one in two over 65) and one in five men over 50 in Ireland developing an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime.
However the disease is on the increase due primarily to an ageing population. By 2031 it is estimated that there will be an additional 500,000 older people living in Ireland.
In women over 45 years of age, osteoporosis accounts for more days spent in hospital than many other diseases, including diabetes, myocardial infarction and breast cancer, and ranks high among diseases that result in people becoming bedridden with serious complications.
In the over-60s age group, 20% of Irish people who fracture a hip will die within 6 to 12 months and of those who survive, half will not be able to wash, dress or walk across a room unaided.
Aside from its personal and human cost, Osteoporosis is a major public health problem, with enormous social and economic impact. Throughout the EU the burden of osteoporotic fractures on healthcare budgets is €36 billion and is greater than for breast cancer, prostrate cancer or myocardial infarction.
Professor O’Brien said, “By increasing our focus on education and awareness, we will not only be preventing the incidences of osteoporosis, we will also be reducing the huge financial cost to the state which Osteoporosis treatment involves. This is a view that is shared by the Health Service Executive and I would like to thank the HSE for their valuable support for the Irish Osteoporosis Society in our efforts to increase public and health professional awareness, and to help assist those with Osteoporosis and their families.”