October 20: World Osteoporosis Day
The World Osteoporosis Day is observed by the International Osteoporosis Foundation annually. The purpose is to create awareness for the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of osteoporosis. It was launched in 1996. Only in 1998 and 1999, the WHO acted as a co-sponsor of the campaign.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass. It leads to enhanced bone fragility and increases the susceptibility of fractures for the person. In India, around 50 million are osteoporotic with bone mass less than 2.5. A person with osteoporosis is claimed to have bone mass between 1 and 2.5
Significance
In India, Osteoporosis is one of the major health problems. Around 230 million Indians are above the age of 50 years. Out of these 46 million women are with osteoporosis. In India, the problem is more common among women than men. This is mainly because of following reasons
- Reduced intake of calcium during the development of bone mass
- Lack of exercises
- Improper exposure to sunlight
Related Posts
Month: Current Affairs - October, 2019