Woman at serious risk for osteoporosis and life-threatening fractures

Nyon, Switzerland (ots) - On World Osteoporosis Day, October 20,
the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is calling for women
to take action now to protect their bone health. Broken bones due to
osteoporosis often result in pain, immobility and loss of quality of
life as well as early death. In women over 45 years of age,
osteoporosis accounts for more days spent in hospital than many other
diseases, including diabetes, heart attack or breast cancer. The good
news is that by knowing their risk early, women can take action to
prevent and control osteoporosis.

Worldwide, an estimated 200 million women are affected by
osteoporosis - a disease that causes bones to become weak and easily
prone to fractures - and with an increasingly ageing population this
number is set to rise dramatically. Unless something is done, future
generations may live longer but their quality of life will be
seriously compromised. Although women of any age may be at risk, at
menopause women are especially vulnerable as they experience rapid
bone loss.

Professor John A. Kanis, President, IOF said, "Osteoporosis is a
serious threat to women's health - worldwide one in three women over
the age of 50 will suffer a broken bone due to osteoporosis. Yet too
many women are unaware of their increased risk after menopause and
fail to take preventive measures."

IOF recommends five essential strategies to help maintain bone and
muscle strength in later life:

1. Exercise 30-40 minutes, three to four times per week and ensure
a mix of resistance training and weight-bearing exercise. As you age
resistance training (e.g. using elastic bands, weight machines)
becomes increasingly important.

2. Ensure a bone-healthy diet that includes enough dietary calcium
and protein, with enough fruits and vegetables to balance the
increased need for protein. Make sure you're getting enough vitamin D
too - through sunlight, diet, and supplementation if required.

3. Avoid negative habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol
intake and maintain a healthy body weight. Women who are underweight
are at higher risk compared to those with a normal body mass index.

4. Find out whether you may have personal factors that increase
your risk of osteoporosis. Common risk factors include early
menopause before the age of 45, use of glucocorticoids, rheumatoid
arthritis, malabsorption disorders (e.g. celiac or Crohn's disease),
previous fragility fracture, or a family history of osteoporosis and
fractures. An online risk test is available on the IOF website at
www.iofbonehealth.org

5. Menopause is the critical time to get your doctor to assess
your bone health status. Ask for a fracture risk assessment (e.g.
FRAX) and, if indicated, take a bone mineral density test. If
treatment is prescribed ensure that you adhere to your therapy.

"Women are the pillars of strength for their families and
communities. I urge all women approaching the menopause to take
action for bone health now in order to enjoy good quality of life and
independence long into the future." said Judy Stenmark, CEO, IOF.

Access the media kit at www.worldosteoporosisday.org/media-centre

About World Osteoporosis Day

Observed annually on October 20, World Osteoporosis Day is led by
IOF and dedicated to raising global awareness of osteoporosis and
related musculoskeletal diseases. Join the new campaign to recognize
strong women - nominate a 'Woman of Steel' and show your support by
wearing white on World Osteoporosis Day.
www.worldosteoporosisday.org; www.facebook.com/worldosteoporosisday;
#womenofsteel

Sponsored in 2013 by unrestricted educational grants from
Fonterra, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Amgen/GSK, Lilly

Media contact:
Charanjit Jagait
T: +41 22 994 01 02
M: +41 79 874 52 08
Email: CJagait@iofbonehealth.org