MEDIA RELEASE PR36606
World Osteoporosis Day Call for Immediate Action to Prevent Fractures
ROME, Oct. 20/PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
Speaking in Rome, Italy today on the occasion of World Osteoporosis Day,
International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) CEO Patrice McKenney called for
individuals and governments around the globe to join the fight against
osteoporosis. "Osteoporosis is a common but devastating disease which we
cannot afford to ignore. 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
urged.
Osteoporosis, a disease in which bones weaken and are susceptible to
fracture, is an increasing concern in all countries, particularly those with
large and growing populations over the age of 50.
How common is osteoporosis? Around the world one in three women and one
in five men over the age of fifty will suffer an osteoporotic fracture. In
Europe alone, a fracture occurs every 8 seconds. Fractures can have serious
consequences, causing pain and debilitation. They all too often result in
lost quality of life, long-term dependence, or even death; one in five hip
fracture patients die within 12 months of fracture.
Despite its widespread impact, the socio-economic burden of osteoporosis
is sadly underestimated. Few governments recognise the enormous cost that the
disease represents to individuals, their families, health care systems and
facilities for the elderly.
On World Osteoporosis Day, IOF joins its almost 200 global patient and
medical member societies in calling for individual and government action to
make bone health and fracture prevention a priority.
About IOF
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is a not-for-profit,
nongovernmental organization dedicated to the worldwide fight against
osteoporosis, the disease known as 'the silent epidemic'. For more
For interviews, contact: info@iofbonehealth.org
Contact:
Laura Misteli
Phone: +41-22-994-01-00
SOURCE: International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)
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