Raising awareness of osteoporosis
On Friday 26th October the falls and bone health service in Barnsley hosted a special information day at Mount Vernon hospital to raise awareness about osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become fragile, which can increase the likelihood of fractures (broken bones) and result in people experiencing pain and disability. It is a long term condition, however there are many things that people can do to improve their bone health and reduce their risk of a fracture.
The information day, which was attended by over 65 people, was an opportunity for service users, carers and members of staff to find out more about the condition and what they can do or help others to do, in order to reduce the risk of future fractures.
The event was run in partnership with the National Osteoporosis Society, a UK wide charity dedicated to improving the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Jill Beaumont from the charity was on hand during the event to offer people advice about osteoporosis and the role of the organisation.
Throughout the event staff from the Trust’s falls and bone health service were also on hand to answer people’s questions, offer advice and refer people to services including exercise programmes that may help them. They also used the event as an opportunity to highlight new guidance that has been published focusing on assessing the risks of fractures, by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence.
Dr Pravin Jha, local expert and lead consultant physician in the service, was also available during the session to answer people’s questions and offer advice on assessment, medication and lifestyle management.
Jan Kitchen, falls co-ordinator at the Trust said, “People of all ages can play a role in protecting their bones by staying fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“Osteoporosis represents a major health problem in the UK with figures suggesting that 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men will suffer a fracture after the age of 50, as a result of poor bone health.”
To find out more about the help available for osteoporosis contact the falls and bone health service on 01226 433382.
