1 in 3 UAE women at risk of bone disease

One in three women in the UAE over the age of 50 is prone to fractures incurred through osteoporosis and could experience osteoporotic fractures, doctors said.

“Affecting more than 200 million women across the world each year, the only cure for osteoporosis is prevention. Key step towards the prevention of osteoporosis is to take regular bone scans. This painless ultrasound assessment provides essential information on bone health and bone quality. Vitamin D generated by sunlight is important and helps prevent the onset of the disease but unfortunately even though sunlight is in abundance, people living here spend very less time outdoors and don’t receive beneficial nutrients from the sun, said Dr. John Bera, Specialist and Head of Department, Orthopedic Surgery at RAK Hospital.

“Surprisingly, one in three women in the UAE over the age of 50 is prone to fractures incurred through osteoporosis and could experience osteoporotic fractures. After a hip fracture, 20 percent of cases can be fatal and 50 percent cause permanent disability,” he said.

The hospital emphasizes balanced nutrition and healthy living as the best measures to keep the bones healthy while working on creating awareness and education on preventive measures.

For healthier bones, people should adopt following lifestyle and preventive measures:

-         Eat a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Good sources of calcium include low-fat dairy products, and foods and drinks with added calcium. Good sources of vitamin D include egg yolks, saltwater fish, liver, and milk with vitamin D. Some people may need to take nutritional supplements in order to get enough calcium and vitamin D.

-         Get plenty of physical activity. Like muscles, bones become stronger with exercise. The best exercises for healthy bones are strength-building and weight-bearing, like walking, climbing stairs, lifting weights, and dancing. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise each day.

-         Live a healthy lifestyle. Don’t smoke, and, if you choose to drink alcohol, don’t drink too much.

-         Talk to your doctor about your bone health. Go over your risk factors with your doctor and ask if you should get a bone density test. If you need it, your doctor can order medicine to help prevent bone loss and reduce your chances of breaking a bone.

-         Prevent falls. Falling down can cause a bone to break, especially in someone with osteoporosis. But most falls can be prevented. Check your home for dangers like loose rugs and poor lighting. Have your vision checked. Increase your balance and strength by walking every day and taking classes like Tai Chi, yoga, or dancing.

The hospital is holding “Love Your Bones” campaign from May 19 to 23 in its continuous effort to create public awareness about effective ways of building bone strength, maintaining healthy weight and preventing osteoporosis.

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