International healthcare 'must tackle osteoporosis'
21/10/09 10:41
A healthcare expert has called on governments across the world to take action to limit the threat of osteoporosis.
Speaking in Rome yesterday (October 20th), Patrice McKenney, chief executive officer at the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), described the affliction as a "common but devastating disease".
She urged politicians and healthcare workers to take preventative action to limit its impact on ageing populations.
"Immediate measures must be taken to reduce the burden of osteoporotic fractures through prevention, early recognition of fracture risk, and appropriate proven treatment for those in need," she explained.
The foundation reports the disease, in which bones weaken and fracture more easily, is becoming an increasing global concern.
It estimates one in three women and one in five men over the age of fifty will suffer an osteoporotic fracture, which can result in chronic pain, lost quality of life and may even prove fatal in some cases.
Through the IOF's website, anyone keen to find out more about their bone health can take a one-minute osteoporosis risk test.
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