Osteoporosis is a serious condition where the bones in your body become weak and fragile, making them more likely to break or fracture. This happens when your body doesn't make enough new bone, or when it loses too much old bone. Osteoporosis is a major cause of fractures, particularly in older adults. It is called the silent epidemic because bone loss is not often felt and people don't often know they have osteoporosis until a fracture has occured.
Osteoporosis is severely under diagnosed and under treated.
Due to increasing life expectancy, more than one-third of the average Singapore woman’s life takes place after menopause. So much life to live!
Often people only find out they have osteoporosis after a fracture. Singapore has the highest rate of hip fractures in Asia and 2/3 of all hip fractures occur in women. Fractures can result in deformity, disability and affect independence.
Bones are sensitive to mechanical input and bone building needs specific types of exercises.
Bone mass at time of menopause is an important predictor of fracture risk. So it is ideal to start strengthening at peri menopause which can start between the ages of 40-44.
Tan HC, Seng JJB, Low LL. Arch Osteoporos. 2021 Oct 8;16(1):151.
Yong EL, Logan S. Singapore Med J. 2021 Apr;62(4):159-166.
With appropriate management and treatment, including specific exercises that can improve bone density and strength, individuals with osteoporosis can significantly reduce their risk of fractures. Don't let osteoporosis and crush fractures limit your ability to live an active and independent life. Take action today to protect your bone health and prevent fractures.