World Osteoporosis Day 2023: Theme, History, Meaning and Symptoms of Silent Bone Disease

World Osteoporosis Day, celebrated annually on October 20, is dedicated to raising awareness about the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone diseases. This is a medical condition in which bones lose density and become weak. Millions of people, both men and women, in India suffer from osteoporotic fractures every year.

In 1996, the National Osteoporosis Society of the United Kingdom, with the support of the European Commission, declared October 20 World Osteoporosis Day. In 1998, the World Health Organization (WHO) also joined in sponsoring this important day.

Theme 2023

The International Osteoporosis Foundation has called for “BUILDING BETTER BONES throughout life” as the theme for this year’s celebrations. This campaign aims to raise awareness of osteoporosis and its impacts. This year’s theme also highlights the next steps to prevent it.

1. Eat a diet rich in protein, vitamins, calcium and nutrients.
2. Get at least 40 minutes of daily exercise to help you maintain a healthy weight.
3. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
4. To stay vigilant about diseases, genetics, medications and menopause.

History

World Osteoporosis Day began on October 20, 1996, with the help of the National Osteoporosis Society of the United Kingdom and the European Commission. Since 1997, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has been in charge of this awareness day. Interestingly, before 1994, osteoporosis was not considered a major health problem. However, in 1998, two important organizations joined forces to create the International Osteoporosis Foundation, whose goal is to educate the public about osteoporosis.

The IOF (International Osteoporosis Foundation) was established through the collaborative efforts of two organizations: the European Osteoporosis Foundation, founded in 1987, and the International Federation of Skeletal Societies (IFSSD), established in 1995.

By uniting these organizations, they were able to better focus and pool their resources to support scientists and health organizations around the world working on osteoporosis.

Importance

In 2023, World Osteoporosis Day launches an awareness campaign for the prevention and management of osteoporosis and other bone diseases. This campaign will be led globally by the Osteoporosis Patients Society. They will be hosting various events and activities each month leading up to World Osteoporosis Day in 2023.

Symptoms of Silent Bone Disease

1. Weakened grip strength caused by low bone density.

2. Weak, brittle nails resulting from a lack of bone density.

3. Feeling tension when you lift things, bend over, or even cough.

4. A low-impact fracture: Bones become so fragile that they can break even in minor falls.

How to celebrate

1. Organize workshops or seminars on osteoporosis, its prevention and management. Invite health professionals to talk about bone health, nutrition and exercise.
2. Offer free or discounted bone density screenings to the community. This can help people assess their risk of osteoporosis.
3. Organize a charity walk or run to raise money for research and promote physical activity, which is essential for bone health.
4. Use social media to share informative posts, infographics and videos about prevention, treatment and bone-healthy recipes. Use relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience.
5. Host cooking classes or workshops focused on bone-healthy recipes and the importance of a calcium-rich diet.
6. Offer free yoga or exercise classes that emphasize routines and poses beneficial for bone health. Encourage participants to adopt a regular exercise routine.
7. Invite experts to give public lectures on osteoporosis and its impacts on daily life. Allow time for questions from the audience.
8. Partner with local healthcare providers to offer bone health checkups, including bone density scans and consultations with specialists.
9. Encourage people to wear white on World Osteoporosis Day to symbolize the importance of strong bones and raise awareness.
10. Visit schools, senior centers and community groups to raise awareness of the importance of bone health at all stages of life.