Feature Articles

“Every Bone Counts” – Osteoporosis Awareness 2015

Ref Number: ESEAOR201510

  • Date20 Oct 2015
  • Category FPA Message
  • Targets Women Public
  • AuthorFPAHK
  • Topic Menopause

A study by The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong (FPAHK) on the bone health status of postmenopausal Chinese women was published in the Hong Kong Medical Journal in October 2015. At the launch of a campaign to support World Osteoporosis Day on 20 Oct 2015, the Association’s Senior Doctor Dr Sue Lo presented the findings of the study. Among 1,507 postmenopausal Chinese women who underwent bone densitometry testing in the Association from 2008-2011, 26% had osteoporosis and 52% had osteopenia. Significant risk factors included older age, longer duration of menopause, family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture and BMI below 18.5kg/m2. Dr Lo advised women were advised to have adequate calcium in-take, sun exposure and weight-bearing exercise to prevent osteoporosis. Patient education on the importance of treatment compliance, the risk of fracture, and osteoporosis-related morbidity and mortality was also emphasized. 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 in-take of nutrients that facilitate bone absorption of calcium such as vitamin D and magnesium should be increased. Tai-Chi Master Lee Yu-fang and FPAHK Bone Health Ambassadors demonstrated exercises for bone strengthening and fall prevention. With sponsorship from the Community Chest of Hong Kong, 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 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.