World Osteoporosis Day 20 October 2024 - Theme, Importance, History & Bone Health Tips

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World osteoporosis day is a global healthcare event observed every year on 20 October, followed by various awareness campaigns and activities to promote the early diagnosis of osteoporosis, its treatment and preventive tips for strong bones. The campaigns are mainly focused on encouraging people to take preventative measures for their bone health to avoid any risk of osteoporosis and associated complications in the future.

Importance of World Osteoporosis Day (WOD)

Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which bones become very weak and brittle. Usually, it doesn't show any symptoms unless the fracture happens. In the case of osteoporosis, the bone becomes so fragile that a fracture can occur with a minor fall, bump or sudden movement. The chances of osteoporosis prevail more with ageing. It is one of the most common causes of fractures in the elderly. Because of the asymptomatic nature of this bone disorder, it is essential to look after bone health to prevent complications related to bone fractures.

It is estimated that globally, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men aged 50 years suffer from an osteoporotic fracture, making it one of the leading causes of deadly pain and long-term disability in ageing people. Also, because of the poor healthcare infrastructure, facility, accessibility and lack of awareness, only 20% of patients with osteoporosis are getting diagnosed or treated.

The prevalence of osteoporosis in elderly female has been noticed more, after 5-7 year of menopause they tend to lose their bone density by 20%. To avoid any future complications in bone health, world osteoporosis day (WOD), with the help of concerned organizations and people around the world, creates awareness and encourages people to get an early diagnosis and check for bone density and act accordingly. Implementing a particular lifestyle and adhering to healthy food habits can help ensure healthy bones and prevent prolonged osteoporosis.

World Osteoporosis Day 2024 Theme

This year, 2024, the World Osteoporosis Day Theme is “Say no to fragile bones.” The theme aims to encourage people to value and protect their bones and raise awareness of the importance of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

The following messages will be addressed to people of all ages, patients, healthcare professionals and health authorities:

Our bone health is precious. Healthy bones are at the core of our well-being, mobility and independence. People of all ages should protect their bone health by taking early action for osteoporosis prevention through bone-healthy nutrition, regular weight-bearing physical activity, and avoiding adverse lifestyle factors like smoking.
Osteoporosis matters. Osteoporosis is a serious health threat with potentially devasting consequences. By recognizing individual risk factors, prioritizing bone health (as we do cardiovascular health!), asking for osteoporosis screening or testing upon identification of risk factors, and adhering to any prescribed medication regimen, we can bridge the osteoporosis care gap, safeguarding our mobility and independence as we age.
Make bone health a healthcare policy priority. With up to 370 lakhs of fragility fractures occurring globally each year, osteoporosis poses an enormous human and health economic burden worldwide. Health authorities must prioritize bone health in several ways, including investing in post-fracture care services. These services ensure that every fracture patient aged 50+ who goes to a hospital with a broken bone is expertly assessed and treated for osteoporosis to prevent recurring and potentially life-threatening fractures.

Year by year, the themes for World Osteoporosis Day

World Osteoporosis Day 2023 Theme - Build Better Bones
World Osteoporosis Day 2022 Theme - Step up for bone health
World Osteoporosis Day 2021 Theme - Take action for bone health
World Osteoporosis Day 2020 Theme - That's Osteoporosis
World Osteoporosis Day 2019 Theme - Love your bones - Protect your future
World Osteoporosis Day 2018 Theme - Love your bones - Protect your future

History of World Osteoporosis Day (WOD)

The first occurrence of World Osteoporosis Day was noticed on October 20, 1996, held by the United Kingdom's National Osteoporosis Society with the collaboration of the European Commission. Later on, in 1997 International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) organized World Osteoporosis Day (WOD).

Since its inception, Various organizations have supported the day, and in 1998 and 1999, the World Health Organization co-sponsored the day intending to promote awareness of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. In 1999, World Osteoporosis Day was witnessed with a specific theme for the first time, and the theme for 1999 was "Early Detection".

5 Tips for Bone Health and Fracture free Future

Regular Exercise: ensure daily practice of the movement of bone and muscles, for that weight-bearing, muscle-strengthening and balance-training exercises are best.
Nutrition: ensure to consume diets rich in bone health nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D and protein rich food. Also, take daily sunbath for vitamins D, which helps in better assimilation of calcium in the body.
Lifestyle: forbid toxic and negative lifestyle, avoid sedentary lifestyle and consume healthy & balanced food to maintain proper BMI, avoid smoking and excessive alcoholic consumptions.
Risk Factors: be attentive, attends educational campaigns and aware of the osteoporosis, its sign and symptoms to take quick initiatives to prevent from any complication to develop.
Testing & Treatment: In case of any doubt or risk factors, don't hesitate to get second opinion from the doctor and get early diagnosis and treatment.