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The truth about our bones
Australia’s bone health is worse than expected, with almost 1 in 3 (29.2 per cent) adults living with brittle bones and many unaware of the contributing risk factors, according to two independent studies.
New findings from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study, recently published in the Medical Journal of Australia, for the first time provide a wake-up call on the magnitude of osteoporosis and osteopaenia in Australia. The study reveals the disease is more widespread than previously thought, with 1.2 million affected by osteoporosis and a startling 5.4 million people with low bone density also known as ‘osteopaenia’. A separate GP and Consumer Tracking Study, commissioned by Osteoporosis Australia, also reveals GPs are not always investigating at-risk patients and patients are not fully aware of the risks to their bone health.
According to Associate Professor Julie Pasco, Geelong Osteoporosis Study co-author, ‘This study re-enforces what we know about osteoporosis – it’s a disease that needs greater awareness. Almost six per cent of men and 23 per cent of women over the age of 50 are living with osteoporosis.
We also found about one-in-two (56 per cent) men aged over 50 years is living with osteopenia,
‘Fortunately preventative measures can be taken to reduce the risk of further bone loss and its associated health risks,’ said Geelong Osteoporosis Study lead investigator, Associate Professor Mark Kotowicz.
‘Regrettably, bone health ranks very poorly on the public’s agenda, and receives insufficient attention from healthcare professionals in general practice.’
‘Our study revealed that GPs are only referring a very small percentage of eligible patients for a bone mineral density (BMD) scan.
The study also found that while the Australian public has a reasonable understanding of calcium’s role in promoting good bone health (49 per cent); only one-in-three people surveyed recognised the need for regular exercise, and just seven per cent cited vitamin D/sunshine as being important. Worryingly, one-in-five respondents could not nominate a single risk factor for osteoporosis.
According to Professor Peter Ebeling, the findings demonstrate there is significant room for improvement in the perceived importance of osteoporosis prevention among both the average Australian and their GP.
‘People need to find out if they have low bone density, or are in fact suffering from osteoporosis. With early identification of the risk of low bone density, simple steps can be taken to help improve bone health. Adequate dietary calcium, adequate Vitamin D intake from sunshine or supplements, and regular weight-bearing exercise can make a positive impact for most people’.
‘This new research collectively reinforces the consequences of sustaining an osteoporotic fracture, which places a significant burden not only on those living with the disease, but on their family, friends and the community, and the need for increased education and awareness about the importance of maintaining strong, healthy bones’. Source: VIVA! Communications | 
