World Osteoporosis Day: A Day to Raise Awareness and Take Action for Bone Health
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and fragile, making them more likely to break or fracture. Osteoporosis affects millions of people around the world, especially older adults and women. Osteoporosis can lead to pain, disability, loss of independence, and even death.
World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) is an annual event that aims to raise awareness of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases. WOD is observed on October 20th each year, and launches a year-long campaign with a specific theme and message. WOD is organized by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), a global non-profit organization that works to promote bone health and fight osteoporosis worldwide.
History of World Osteoporosis Day
World Osteoporosis Day was launched on October 20, 1996, by the United Kingdom’s National Osteoporosis Society and supported by the European Commission. Since 1997, this awareness day has been organised by the International Osteoporosis Foundation. In 1998 and 1999, the World Health Organization acted as co-sponsor of World Osteoporosis Day. The day also marks the launch of a year-long campaign to raise awareness of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. Since 1999 these campaigns have featured a specific theme. Some of the past themes include:
- Early Detection (1999)
- Building Bone Health (2000)
- Bone Development in Youth (2001)
- Preventing a First Fracture (2002)
- Quality of Life (2003)
- Osteoporosis in Men (2004)
- Exercise (2005)
- Nutrition (2006)
- Risk Factors (2007)
- Advocate for Policy Change (2008-2009)
- Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Fractures (2010)
- 3 Steps to Prevention: Calcium, Vitamin D and Exercise (2011)
- Stop at One: Make your First Break your Last (2012)
- Strong Women Make Stronger Women (2013)
- Real Men Build Their Strength from Within (2014)
- Serve Up Bone Strength (2015)
- Love Your Bones – Protect your Future (2016-2017)
The Theme and Message of WOD 2023
The theme of WOD 2023 is “Build Better Bones”. The message of WOD 2023 is to encourage people to take action for their bone health by following a bone-healthy lifestyle. A bone-healthy lifestyle includes:
- Regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise
- A nutritious bone-healthy diet and adequate vitamin D
- No smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol intake
- Early awareness of risk factors and seeking testing and treatment if needed
The IOF has developed various resources and tools to help people learn more about osteoporosis and how to build better bones. These include posters, infographics, videos, social media banners, a quiz, a risk check, a global patient charter, patient stories, and a new platform for patients and their caregivers. These resources can be accessed from the official website of WOD.
The Importance and Impact of WOD
WOD is an important initiative that aims to make a positive impact on the lives of people affected by osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases. WOD helps to:
- Educate the public and patients about osteoporosis and its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
- Empower people to take charge of their bone health and seek medical attention if needed
- Engage with healthcare professionals and health authorities to improve patient care and access to diagnosis and treatment
- Elevate the profile of osteoporosis as a serious public health issue that deserves more attention and resources
WOD also provides an opportunity for people to join a global community of supporters who share their stories, experiences, and opinions about osteoporosis. By voicing their concerns collectively, they can help to make fracture prevention a global health priority.
Celebrations of World Osteoporosis Day
World Osteoporosis Day is celebrated in various ways around the world by different organizations, groups, and individuals. Some of the common ways to celebrate WOD are:
- Holding awareness campaigns through digital or live platforms
- Organizing public information events, charity runs, cooking events, exercise classes, etc.
- Setting up information booths within a consumer exhibition or health-related events
- Distributing posters, flyers, brochures, or other educational materials
- Sharing personal stories or testimonials on social media or other channels
- Signing the IOF Global Patient Charter or other petitions
- Taking the quiz or risk check on the WOD website
- Visiting the Build Better Bones platform for guidance and support
- Donating to the IOF or other osteoporosis-related charities
Important Facts about Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a common and serious condition that affects many people worldwide. Here are some important facts about osteoporosis that everyone should know:
- Osteoporosis causes more than 8.9 million fractures annually, resulting in an osteoporotic fracture every 3 seconds.
- Worldwide, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men aged over 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures.
- Osteoporosis has a higher mortality rate than many cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.
- Osteoporosis is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, with only about 20% of fracture patients receiving appropriate care.
- Osteoporosis can be prevented and treated with lifestyle changes, medication, and fracture prevention services.
- Osteoporosis costs the global healthcare system an estimated USD 19 billion per year, and this figure is expected to rise due to the ageing population.
Conclusion
World Osteoporosis Day is a day to raise awareness and take action for bone health. By following the theme and message of WOD 2023, people can build better bones and reduce their risk of osteoporosis and fractures. By supporting the campaign and signing the global patient charter, people can also show their commitment to improving the lives of people with osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases. World Osteoporosis Day is a day to celebrate bone health and fight osteoporosis together.
Also Read: Essay on World Osteoporosis Day for Students
