World Osteoporosis Day (20/10)

Every year on October 20, World Osteoporosis Day is celebrated. The World Health Organization set this date back in 1997, with the aim of raising global public awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone diseases.

What is it: «osteoporosis»? The roots of the word are of Greek origin. The term originates from two Greek words: «bone» and «loose». Thus, osteoporosis can be translated as « loose, porous, sparse bone», which, in principle, comes down to the main essence of this disease.

Osteoporosis – is a disease that is characterized by a decrease in bone density in humans. The result of this disease, which usually develops gradually and progresses over time, is frequent fractures of the limbs and spine.

One of the most famous consequences of osteoporosis is a hip fracture. Of course, in this case, as in the case of any fracture, a lot depends on the circumstances under which the injury was sustained. A lot plays a role here: the cause of the injury itself (impact, fall), the strength of the traumatic factor (impact or fall), the peculiarity of the traumatic factor (angle of fall), the condition and tone of muscle tissue that can dampen the force of the traumatic factor, and, of course, the strength bone tissues. And just the last of the indicated factors indicates that a hip fracture, and other fractures, occur more often in older people.

Moreover, the older the age, the greater the likelihood of injury. Medical statistics also speak about this. It is also important to remember that the most severe fracture of the – femoral neck results in high mortality and disability. A significant number of elderly people who have suffered from such trauma remain partially or completely immobilized until the end of their days.

It was statistical data and scientific medical research in the field of osteoporosis that led scientists and doctors to the conclusion that osteoporosis – is a direct consequence of the aging of the body. The term «osteoporosis», which characterizes changes in human bone tissue, was introduced in the 19th century by the French surgeon Jacob Lobstein.

However, over time, the development of medicine and the increasing attention of doctors to the problem of changes in human bone tissue, it was found that there are two main groups of factors that influence the development of osteoporosis in humans. Doctors include uncontrollable factors in the first group, such as: natural aging processes of the body, genetic predisposition (large in women in the early postmenopausal period due to sudden hormonal changes in the body), taking certain medications, long-term immobilization of limbs, as well as a number of endocrine diseases. Doctors included impaired and unbalanced nutrition, low body weight and insufficient physical activity in the second group.

It is prevention that can slow down the processes of weakening bone tissues of the human body (Photo: Sebastian Duda, licensed by Shutterstock.com)

Progressive osteoporosis cannot currently be cured with any medications. However, the World Health Organization calls on doctors from all over the world to prevent this disease. It is prevention that can slow down the processes of weakening bone tissues of the human body. Conducting lectures and seminars for specialists, as well as ordinary citizens, information stands in medical institutions should contribute to a person’s correct attitude towards his health.

For people who already suffer from osteoporosis or are just beginning to feel its manifestations, certain medications are prescribed, the use of which, along with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, helps strengthen the skeleton and muscle tissue, and also prevents the removal of the base of any bone tissue from the body of calcium –.

In Russia, back in 1995, the «Russian Association for Osteoporosis» was established, under the auspices of which over 50 Osteoporosis Centers operate. The association accumulates experience in the prevention and treatment of the disease, and also exchanges it with colleagues from abroad. Training congresses and seminars for doctors are held at the Association.

Many educational and sporting events, congresses and seminars of a training nature, as well as those aimed at exchanging experience in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, are held annually on October 20 in many countries around the world. Moreover, every year the events within the Day are dedicated to a specific topic.

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