Press Releases

19 Oct 2015

Press Conference on “Every Bone Counts” Osteoporosis Awareness 2015

A recent study on bone health status of postmenopausal Chinese women who underwent bone densitometry testing in The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong (FPAHK) revealed one in four had osteoporosis. FPAHK advised women to adopt healthy lifestyle to prevent the disease, and recommended those at-risk to undergo bone densitometry to ascertain their bone status.

The study between January 2008 and December 2011 on 1,507 postmenopausal Chinese women who underwent bone densitometry in the Association revealed that 26% of the women were diagnosed to have osteoporosis and 52% to have osteopenia. Significant risk factors for osteoporosis include older age, longer duration of menopause, family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture and BMI < 18.5kg/m2. Among those with osteoporosis, 42.9% refused treatment, 30.7% complied with treatment, while 26.4% discontinued treatment or defaulted for follow-up. Dr Sue Lo, Senior Doctor of FPAHK, advised women to have adequate calcium in-take, sun exposure and weight-bearing exercise to prevent osteoporosis. She also recommended that patient education be strengthened on the importance of treatment compliance, the risk of fracture, and osteoporosis-related morbidity and mortality.

Dietician Ms Carmela Lee gave dietary advices to increase calcium in-take. She pointed out substances that increase calcium loss such as caffeine and sodium should be avoided; and advised increasing in-take of nutrients that facilitate bone absorption of calcium such as vitamin D and magnesium. Tai-Chi Master Lee Yu-fang and FPAHK Bone Health Ambassadors demonstrated exercise for bone strengthening and fall prevention.

With sponsorship from the Community Chest of Hong Kong, and in support of the World Osteoporosis Day on 20 October, FPAHK launched a campaign named “Every Bone Counts” – Osteoporosis Awareness 2015 to raise public awareness of bone health and osteoporosis, and to encourage at-risk women to ascertain their bone status. 100 fee-waived ($520) DXA (dual energy X-Ray absorptiometry) bone densitometry tests would be offered to Hong Kong women aged 65 and above, who have never had a DXA test, and never been treated for osteoporosis. 

Interested women can call 5429 5853 to make an appointment. On the day of consultation, they have to be seen by a doctor and undergo an osteoporosis assessment. DXA of spine and hip would be offered if indicated. Test results would be interpreted with advice given by the doctor on the same day.

Event photographs can be downloaded from the FPAHK Website’s (www.famplan.org.hk/en) Media Centre.