This campaign is associated with the Irish Osteoporosis Society, organised by Amgen
Do you know about osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition that affects your bones. It causes them to become weaker, so they break very easily.
Women are more likely to develop it than men but it's treatable for the majority of people, so early detection is key.
Starting a conversation about bone health with the women in your life, particularly those aged 65+, can empower them to take charge of their bone health. It's important to know the risk factors of osteoporosis to maintain good bone health and prevent broken bones.
Are there any risk factors?
There are a number of risk factors to be aware of.
- As a woman ages, her risk of osteoporosis increases. Women aged over 65+ are most at risk.
- Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men as they age partly due to hormone changes, especially after menopause.
- If there's a family history of osteoporosis, your risk is usually much higher – especially if a parent has suffered a broken hip. Osteoporosis is underdiagnosed in Ireland so even if you don’t have genetic risk factors, it’s still important to prioritise bone health and discuss it with your GP if you are a woman aged 65+.
- 75% of broken bones due to osteoporosis happen in people aged 65+.
- Taking in an excess of alcohol, fibre or caffeine can also increase your risk, as does smoking and physical inactivity.
That's why it is so important for women aged 65+ to feel empowered to take charge of their bone health – and why it's time for all of us to talk about osteoporosis.
Who should we talk with about this?
Your mother, your grandmother and your aunt – they're all people we'd recommend you chat with about osteoporosis.
It is a common disease that's treatable in the majority of people, but early detection is key. Chat with your GP about bone health to reduce your risk.
The women in your life don't deserve a break... or a fracture. Neither do you. So, it's time to break the silence and chat with the women you love, so they can keep living the life they love.
This spring, encourage the women you love to prioritise their bone health in the same way as other health checks, like BreastCheck and make it part of their medical calendar.
For more information about osteoporosis, visit your local GP or www.irishosteoporosis.ie.
All information has been taken from the following source: Irish Osteoporosis Society
IRL-NP-0424-80002
May 2024
