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16 Oct 2017 |
World Osteoporosis Day 2017: Love Your Bones, Protect Your Future
“Love Your Bones, Protect Your Future” is the theme of the World Osteoporosis Day this year, marked by 20 October 2017. The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong (FPAHK) urges elderly women to be aware of their risks of osteoporosis and take proactive actions to prevent this silent disease.
Post-menopausal women, older age, parental hip fracture, drugs (e.g. steroid, aromatase inhibitor) and a body mass index (BMI) of less than 18.5kg/m2 are significant risk factors for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can increase risk of bone fractures which might reduce the quality of life of many elderly sufferers, leaving them dependent on assisted living or nursing home care. After a hip fracture, the mortality is quite high.
Osteoporosis is preventable by adopting a bone-healthy lifestyle. Women are advised to maintain a diet rich in calcium, have adequate sun exposure and regular weight-bearing exercise. Cigarette smoking, alcohol and excessive caffeine should be avoided. Those at risk for osteoporosis are recommended to undergo bone densitometry testing to ascertain their bone status.
Hong Kong women residents aged 65 and above who have never had a dual energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone densitometry test nor osteoporosis treatment are now eligible to apply for a fee-waived DXA test offered by FPAHK under a 3-year program known as “Every Bone Counts” from 2017 to 2010. It is funded by The Community Chest of Hong Kong to raise public awareness, particularly among elderly women, on bone health and osteoporosis and encourage them to take preventive measures.
Eligible participants will be seen by a doctor and undergo an osteoporosis assessment. If indicated, a DXA test of the spine and hip will be offered with the fee of $550 fully waived. Test results will be interpreted with advice given by the doctor. The consultation fee of $200, which is not covered by the project fund, will be borne by the participants.
Women who are diagnosed with osteoporosis and those who are osteopenic with high risk of fracture will be advised to undergo drug treatment to prevent osteoporotic fractures. They can attend FPAHK’s clinics for follow-up, with consultation fees, investigations and drug charged according to the standard rate at FPAHK.
Eligible elderly women can call 5173-6313 to register. For information on FPAHK’s services, please visit www.famplan.org.hk/fpahk/en.
