Good bone health is of vital importance to our quality of life and is the foundation for a mobile, independent future as we age. For World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) on 20 October this year, we are reflecting on how to Build Better Bones throughout life. Together with exercise, a bone-healthy diet sets the foundation for stronger bones and osteoporosis prevention at all ages.
Osteoporosis is a long-term disease that 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.
Worldwide, one in three women and one in five men aged 50 years and over will suffer an osteoporotic fracture. However, osteoporosis can affect people of all ages, especially those with particular risk factors.
To highlight the importance of building better bones at all ages, we’re taking a look at a real-life case study for World Osteoporosis Day.
Case Study: Sarah’s Struggle with Osteoporosis
Sarah*, a 35-year-old woman, led a busy life, juggling work and family responsibilities. She experienced premature ovarian insufficiency at the age of 32 years old*, a significant risk factor for bone loss. Oestrogen plays a vital role in maintaining bone density and its decline during menopause can lead to osteoporosis. Sarah also had poor nutrition, eating just one meal a day, with low weight. She also had vitamin D deficiency*.
Impact
Sarah had a fall and suffered a hip fracture due to severe osteoporosis. She needed surgery and faced a long and challenging recovery process. The fracture affected her mobility, independence and overall quality of life.
Recovery and Prevention
After her fall and hip fracture experience, Sarah was keen to improve her health and wellbeing. She started working closely with endocrinologists in the osteoporosis clinic to manage her bone loss, then started hormone replacement therapy to address her menopause-related bone loss. Additionally, she was referred to a dietitian to improve and manage her nutrition and an exercise physiologist to assist with an exercise plan of weight-bearing and resistance training. These measures were essential not only for her recovery but also for building stronger bones to prevent future fractures.
What we can learn and promote
Sarah’s story emphasises that osteoporosis is not limited to older individuals. It can affect anyone, even those in early adulthood, particularly if they have a chronic health condition that places them at risk of bone loss. Chronic health conditions that affect bone health negatively include early menopause, malnutrition, people who require corticosteroids for the management of medical conditions as well as some cancer treatments. Sarah’s case underscores the importance of early intervention and prevention of osteoporosis.
On WOD, we share Sarah’s story to raise awareness. It’s a reminder that bone health should be a priority throughout life, especially when facing medical conditions that can contribute to bone fragility. “Build Better Bones” is not just a slogan; it’s a call to action for individuals of all ages to take proactive steps to protect bone health.
The 5 steps to healthy bones and a fracture-free future are:
- Exercise – Exercise regularly, and keep your bones and muscles moving
- Nutrition – Ensure your diet is rich in bone-healthy nutrients
- Lifestyle – Avoid negative lifestyle habits
- Risk Factors – Find out whether you have risk factors
- Testing and Treatment – Get tested and treated if needed
For more information and resources to help reflect on your bone health improvement and prevention of osteoporosis, visit the Build Better Bones website.
