Manipal Hospital has announced an Awareness Programme and a Poster Exhibition beginning October 20, 2010 observed to commemorate World Osteoporosis Day.  The programme will help to  increase awareness on the ills of decreased bone density.

A  comprehensive discounted package for people above 40 years has been initiated. Osteoporosis can be a major debilitating disease. This condition has been observed more commonly in women who have reached early menopause or have menopaused. This condition is identified with decreased normal bone density, which is caused by loss of calcium and collagen. Osteoporosis is common among  women who are above 40 years.  While women are four times more at risk than men, yet they are also know to  suffer from osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a condition which causes the bones to become thin and weak, with a tendency to fracture easily. With osteoporosis, there is loss of vital minerals in the bone; mainly calcium, causing bones to become extremely brittle, which could result in a wrist, hip or spine, fracture.

Statistics shows that with almost one in 3 women over the age of 50 combating osteoporosis, along with one in 5 men.

To commemorate the occasion and spread the message of awareness Manipal Hospitals Bangalore is also organizing a poster exhibition to drive home the message that bones over 40 years of age need special care. It is also  providing a discounted consultation and investigation package from October 20, 2010 to November 20, 2010. The package includes orthopaedic screening, bone mineral densitometry (BMD), serum calcium, serum phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, haemoglobin, ESR, and random blood sugar.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr R D Chakravarty, HOD, orthopaedic department, Manipal Hospital says, “Osteoporosis is becoming a hugely distressing disease for people over the age 40 and above. Hence, World Osteoporosis Day is an apt day to emphasize the preventive measures and have more awareness in building and maintaining strong bones. We aim to prevent such disease through this package which will help us to detect the symptoms and prevalence of the disease. It is very important for everyone to be aware of the well being of their bones as they age.”
 
Osteoporosis can be treated by increasing the bone density by supplementing food with calcium and vitamin D, regular exercises, hormone replacement therapy and medicines.