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.

“I’m a firm believer that being informed and taking action now to protect our health as we get older is one of the most important things we can do, not only for ourselves but also for our families,” said Ms Kennedy.

A European study published last April showed Irish women over 50 knew more about health issues than their European counterparts, but were not doing enough to prevent osteoporosis.

“Identifying health risk such as osteoporosis, breast cancer and heart disease and seeking medical advice early will go a long way to preventing health problems in later life,” said IOS president Moira O’Brien, professor of anatomy at Trinity College, Dublin. “It is very important that women, particularly after the menopause, understand the risks of osteoporosis. If you have broken a bone due to a minor fall or bump it could be because you have osteoporosis.”

Referring to the fact that one-third of post-meno-pausal women who broke a bone fail to take prescribed medicine, Prof O’Brien said it was important to remember there were effective treatments for osteoporosis.

The earlier the disease was diagnosed, the more could be done to prevent fractures. Risk factors for osteoporosis include a family history of the disease, lack of oestrogen caused by early menopause, early hysterectomy and long-term steroid use.

Lack of exercise, or excessive exercise, heavy drinking or smoking are also risk factors for osteoporosis.

Free booklet - Irish Osteoporosis Society, 33 Pearse St, Dublin 2 (01- 677 4267); email [e-mail] www.irishosteoporosis.ie.