World Osteoporosis Day - October 20th

In the UK one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will break a bone mainly because of osteoporosis.

Approximately three million people in the UK have osteoporosis and there are over 230,000 fractures every year as a result.

Osteoporosis means porous bones. Bones affected by osteoporosis are less dense than normal bones.They are also more likely to break as a result of a minor bump, or fall, or even without an injury. Osteoporosis is often referred to as the 'silent disease' as most people affected are unaware that their bones are thinning until they break one.

Osteoporosis is usually a disease of older age, although it can affect people of all ages. Bones are influenced by genetics and lifestyle and bone mass peaks once we reach our mid-twenties. Therefore it is important to take steps towards a healthy lifestyle at an early age to decrease the potentially disabling effects of osteoporotic fractures in later life.

Did you know that physical activity can delay the progression of osteoporosis by slowing the rate at which bone mineral density reduces from the late 20's onwards? Source: Vuori IM., (2001) Dose-response of physical activity and low back pain, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. Med Sci Sports Exerc 33: S551-S586.

To discover how being active can benefit osteoporosis and how lifestyle changes can make a difference to your bone health, click here for advice from Paul Waters, Senior Tutor at Lifetime Health and Fitness.

If you are a fitness professional and would like more information on what exercise and activity to prescibe to a client at risk from or suffering from osteoporosis click here.

Click here to find out more about the National Osteoporosis Society's Boogie For Your Bones Campaign launching on World Osteoporosis Day, on Monday October 20, 2008.

For facts and figures on osteoporosis and the work of the National Osteoporosis Society click Key Facts and Figures