What is Osteoporosis?
Worldwide, one in three women and one in five men aged 50 years and over will suffer an osteoporotic fracture. Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and fragile, so that they break easily – even as a result of a minor fall, a bump, a sneeze, or a sudden movement. Fractures caused by osteoporosis can be life-threatening and a major cause of pain and long-term disability.
Are you at risk? Take the quiz to find out.
Get involved
World Osteoporosis Day, marked on October 20th each year, is a prime time to put the spotlight on osteoporosis. Below, read about this year’s campaign theme, and how you can get involved and support the campaign in a number of ways.
ABOUT THE 2023 WORLD OSTEOPOROSIS DAY CAMPAIGN
With this year’s tagline of ‘Build Better Bones’, IOF will highlight the importance of a bone-healthy lifestyle as the foundation for strong bones and a mobile, fracture-free future. New posters and related resources and communications will urge the public and patients to build better bones by ensuring:
• Regular weight-bearing & muscle-strengthening exercise
• A nutritious bone-healthy diet and adequate vitamin D
• No smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol intake
• Early awareness of risk factors – and if at risk, seek testing and treatment if appropriate
As well, the campaign will include the following messages and resources:
• Introduce the new Build Better Bones platform with easy to follow exercise and nutrition guidance for people with osteoporosis and their caregivers.
• Raise awareness of the important role of Fracture Liaison Services for people who have already fractured will be reflected in campaign messages and resources.
• Information about the burden of osteoporosis to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and health authorities, who will be urged to ensure that people at fracture risk have timely access to diagnosis and treatment, including post-fracture care.
Learn more about the campaign and download the Campaign Toolkit and WOD logos
Download this year’s WOD posters and social media banners