By YASEMIN TALAT
WYNDHAM and Hobsons Bay communities are being encouraged to be more aware of the risks and costs associated with osteoporosis.
South Western Melbourne Medicare Local (SWMML) has called on communities and health care professionals to better inform themselves about the prevalence of osteoporosis and the preventative measures to reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Osteoporosis affects 4.74 million Australians over 50, and Osteoporosis Australia reports indicate that by 2022 the total direct and indirect cost of the disease and associated fractures will reach $33.6 billion.
SWMML want to combat the prevalence of the disease, especially in Wyndham and Hobsons Bay, which have a combined population of over 56,000 residents aged 50 years and over.
SWMML CEO Gaylene Coulton encouraged peopled to seek advice from their local general practitioners to ensure early detection of the disease.
“SWMML are providing educational resources to support health care professionals to effectively manage and prevent fractures in the community, with the aim of minimizing the indirect and direct cost of the disease on the individual,” Ms Coulton said.
“Maintaining healthy bones for people of all ages is crucial in reducing the risk of fractures, so making sure your diet is high in calcium and you’re getting enough sunshine and exercise each day are some small preventative measures that can be taken to ensure your bones stay strong and healthy,” she said.
The report shows that osteoporosis can be diagnosed and managed to reduce fracture rates and in many cases prevent fractures all together but osteoporosis remains under diagnosed even when a fracture has occurred.
For further information about Osteoporosis Australia and information about maintaining healthy bones visit www.healthybones.com.au
