News

3 DAIRY A DAY CAN HELP PREVENT OSTEOPOROSIS
Craig Doyle Launches National Osteoporosis Awareness Radio Campaign

(Tuesday, 31 March, 2009) Osteoporosis, which affects one in two women and one in five men over fifty in Ireland, is a disease which is preventable and treatable in the majority of people. A new radio campaign launched by international tri-athlete and sports presenter Craig Doyle, sets out to raise awareness that good nutrition with the inclusion of the recommended three portions of dairy a day, can help to prevent Osteoporosis - whatever your age – and to develop and maintain healthy bones.

Osteoporosis is the world’s leading bone disease and affects people of all age groups, including children. It is known as the ‘silent disease’ as the majority of people have no pain until they fracture, however it is estimated that only 15% of those affected are diagnosed.

Speaking at the campaign launch today, Professor Moira O’Brien, President of the Irish Osteoporosis Society said, “This is the largest ad campaign that the Irish Osteoporosis Society has been involved with to date. Our goal, and the goal of the National Dairy Council is to encourage as many people as possible to adopt a bone-healthy lifestyle. This can be achieved through eating a healthy diet, taking regular weight bearing exercise and being aware of the many risk factors for osteoporosis. We are hoping to prevent people from developing the disease which - if left untreated - can cause severe pain due to multiple fractures and loss of independence.

“Taking sufficient levels of calcium and vitamin D are essential. Calcium is the most abundant mineral found in our bones and helps to give bones strength and rigidity. Calcium is also required for muscles and nerves to function normally, including those in the heart,” said Professor O’Brien. “Milk, cheese and yogurt are some of the best sources of calcium available to us, particularly in Ireland. Vitamin D is vital for the absorption of calcium and is mainly available in fortified milk as well as oily fish and sunlight.”

Craig Doyle to Promote “3aday”

Sports presenter and international tri-athlete, Craig Doyle has voiced the new national radio advertising campaign to promote osteoporosis awareness and the importance of dairy products to developing and maintaining bone health.

The Irish Osteoporosis Society and the National Dairy Council joint campaign highlights the importance of including three servings of milk, cheese or yogurt per day, as part of a balanced diet. It will direct listeners to a website www.3aday.ie which gives access to information on osteoporosis and dairy produce. “3 a day” refers to the Department of Health and Children’s recommended three servings of dairy a day for adults and children, as part of a balanced diet.

A booklet about Osteoporosis is also available free of charge. For information about where to download the guide, visit www.3aday.ie or www.ndc.ie; or for a printed copy, call the Osteoporosis Society on 1890 252 751 or the NDC on 01-616 9726.