Women urged to protect against osteoporosis

WOMEN of all ages are being urged to take action to avoid osteoporosis, a crippling bone disease that affects one in three in this country.

More than 33,000 Irish women over 50 have fractured at least one bone in a minor fall - often a tell-tale sign of osteoporosis. However, only one-third of women who have broken a bone since menopause are taking prescribed medication to prevent further fractures.

Yesterday, TV presenter Mary Kennedy and the Irish Osteoporosis Society (IOS) launched a free booklet, Essential Health Information for Women, which also gives guidance on how to protect against cancer and heart disease.