World Osteoporosis Day was celebrated today at Govt. Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 23 , Chandigarh. It was jointly organized by Indian society for Bone and Mineral Research, Department of Endocrinology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Pratigya Foundation, World NCD Federation and Indian and Chandigarh Region Menopausal Society.
Osteoporosis is major upcoming health problem in India, the prevalence is high due to poor nutrition and increasing longevity. Three out of five women (>50 years) and two out of five men (>60 years) has osteoporosis. Fractures associated with Osteoporosis are responsible for increased morbidity and mortality. Twenty to 25 % of individuals with osteoporotic fracture die by end of one year and 30-35 % by end of 5 years, which is comparable with breast cancer and thyroid carcinoma. Interestingly, osteoporosis is preventable as well as treatable disease. International osteoporosis foundation (IOF) and its member society every year celebrates World osteoporosis day to prevent osteoporotic fractures.
Around 250-300 participants (students, teachers and patients of osteoporosis and their relatives) from Chandigarh, participated in this event. The program was organized to give awareness about prevention, diagnosis & treatment of osteoporosis & metabolic bone diseases. This campaign aimed to educate people about the increasing importance of bone health and thereby preventing and treating this silent disease. In this program galaxy of speakers participated and delivered words of wisdom to improve bone health.
Organizing chairman of event Dr. Anil Bhansali, (HOD of department of Endocrinology PGIMER, and Chandigarh) delivered welcome address and gave the overview of osteoporosis.
Welcome address followed by talk on “definition: risk factors and etiology of Osteoporosis” by Dr. Abhilasha Garg, PGIMER, “Magnitude of osteoporosis” delivered by Dr. JIimmy, PGIMER. Dr. Aditya spoke on “Who are risk & how to evaluate?”, all three talks concluded that osteoporosis is increasing and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Indeed mortality of soteoporotic fracture is comparable with breast and thyroid carcinoma.
Dr. Nirja Chawla, President, Chandigarh Region Menopause Society, highlighted interaction between menopause and bone health. Subsequently Dr Romesh gave tips to prevent falls. “Fall Prevention is most important preventive strategy to stop osteoporotic fracture.
Dr. Neelam Aggarwal, Prof. Department of Gynecology, PGIMER Chandigarh & President of IMS, spoke about “How to build your bone bank through diet?” and followed by Dr JS Thakur Professor of community medicine, PGIMER and president of WNCDF delivered a talk on improve bone health in School going children.
Another session focused on importance of “Exercise/ Lifestyle modification in osteoporosis” by Dr. Ashu Rastogi, Assistant Professor department of Endocrinology, PGIMER, Chandigarh further followed by a lecture on role of “calcium + Vitamin D supplements in management of osteoporosis” to maintain bone strength and prevent osteoporosis by Dr Rama Walia, Associate Professor, PGIMER, Chandigarh.
Dr Anshita Aggarwal, Assistant Professor of Endocrinology at RML Hospital , New Delhi elaborated on currently available treatment of osteoporosis “management and treatment of Osteoporosis” by and lastly what are the immediate post osteoporotic fracture management issues and rehabilitation by Dr Vishal, Associate Professor, Department of Orthopedics, PGIMER, Chandigarh. Dr Vishal Emphasized on early intervention in post fracture state.
There was a screening for osteoporosis by DXA of 70-80 individuals, out of these 50 people found have low bone mass and osteoporosis. All patients were given consultation and tips to prevent further bone loss. Also distributed complimentary calcium and vitamin D. Specialized diet consultation to increase calcium content in diet is also provided to all participants. Ragi laddus and Buttermilk as a source of calcium (320 mg) were distributed among the participants.
Students of school participated in Bone Health Competition (Class 5th -12th) winners were given prizes.
Dr Sanjay Bhadada (Professor, Department of Endocrinology and secretary of ISBMR), proposed vote of thanks. Concluded by punch line “Prevention is better than cure and prevention of osteoporosis starts in Womb and treatment continues till Tomb.
