World Osteoporosis Day 2023: Theme, History, Significance and Symptoms of Silent Bone Disease

World Osteoporosis Day, observed every year on October 20, is dedicated to raising awareness about the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone diseases. It is a medical condition where bones lose density and become weaker. Millions of people — both men and women — in India suffer from osteoporotic fractures each year.

In 1996, the UK’s National Osteoporosis Society, with support from the European Commission, declared October 20 as World Osteoporosis Day. In 1998, the World Health Organization (WHO) also joined as a co-sponsor of this important day.

2023 Theme

The International Osteoporosis Foundation has called for “BUILDING BETTER BONES throughout life” as the theme for this year’s celebrations. This campaign aims to educate people about osteoporosis and its impacts. This year’s theme also underlines the following steps to prevent it.

1. Having a diet rich in proteins, vitamins, calcium, and nutrients.
2. Engage in at least 40 minutes of daily exercise to help maintain a healthy body weight.
3. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
4. To stay alert on diseases, genetics, medication, and menopause.

History

World Osteoporosis Day started on October 20, 1996, with the help of the UK’s National Osteoporosis Society and the European Commission. Since 1997, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has been in charge of this awareness day. It’s interesting to note that before 1994, osteoporosis wasn’t seen as a significant health concern. However, in 1998, two important organisations joined forces to establish the International Osteoporosis Foundation, focusing on educating the public about osteoporosis.

The IOF (International Osteoporosis Foundation) was established through the collaborative efforts of two organisations: the European Foundation for Osteoporosis, founded in 1987, and the International Federation of Societies on Skeletal Diseases (IFSSD), which began in 1995.

By uniting these organisations, they were able to better concentrate and pool their resources to support scientists and health organizations worldwide working on osteoporosis.

Significance

In 2023, World Osteoporosis Day is initiating a campaign to raise awareness about preventing and managing osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases. This campaign will be carried out globally by the Osteoporosis Patients Society. They will organise various events and activities each month leading up to World Osteoporosis Day in 2023.

Symptoms of the Silent Bone Disease

1. Weakened hand grip strength caused by low bone density.

2. Fragile and brittle nails resulting from a lack of bone density.

3. Feeling strain when lifting things, bending, or even coughing.

4. A low-impact fracture: Bones become so fragile that they can break from even minor falls.

How To Celebrate

1. Organize workshops or seminars on osteoporosis, its prevention, and management. Invite healthcare professionals to speak about bone health, nutrition, and exercise.
2. Offer free or discounted bone density screenings to the community. This can help people assess their risk for osteoporosis.
3. Host a charity walk or run to raise funds for research and to promote physical activity, which is vital for bone health.
4. Use social media to share informative posts, infographics, and videos about prevention, treatment, and bone-healthy recipes. Use relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience.
5. Organize cooking classes or workshops that focus on bone-healthy recipes and the importance of a calcium-rich diet.
6. Offer free yoga or exercise classes that emphasize routines and poses beneficial for bone health. Encourage participants to adopt a regular exercise routine.
7. Invite experts to give public lectures on osteoporosis and its impact on daily life. Allow time for questions from the audience.
8. Partner with local healthcare providers to offer bone health check-ups, including bone density scans and consultations with specialists.
9. Encourage people to wear white on World Osteoporosis Day to symbolize the importance of strong bones and raise awareness.
10. Visit schools, senior centers, and community groups to educate people about the importance of bone health at all stages of life.