MANY individuals are not aware of the factors that can increase their risk of osteoporosis.
This was revealed in a survey on health and osteoporosis conducted by the Bone Health Alliance Malaysia (BHAM) to assess awareness, knowledge, and lifestyle habits among Malaysians.
The survey aimed to raise awareness about bone health; counter the misconception that osteoporosis is a natural part of ageing which is untreatable and unpreventable; as well as educate Malaysians on keeping their bones healthy.
The survey revealed that 96 per cent of respondents were unaware of all the factors that can increase their risk of osteoporosis such as family history, post-menopausal status, low body weight, a diet low in calcium, and heavy consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and/or cigarettes.
"Osteoporosis is a silent disease with no symptoms and often goes unnoticed until patients experience a fracture. While you cannot feel your bones getting weaker, understanding your risk of developing osteoporosis will help you make informed choices such as initiating regular bone health assessments for those above 60, especially women," says Malaysian Osteoporosis Society president and consultant endocrinologist, Prof Dr Chan Siew Pheng.
Based on the survey results, 82 per cent of respondents were unaware that they should start bone health assessments from 60 years old, and 77 per cent had the misconception that poor bone health (fragility fractures and loss of height) was part of the natural ageing process.
This validates the lack of knowledge among Malaysians that osteoporosis can be prevented through proactive lifestyle habits and that there are available treatment options to improve outcomes.
Worldwide, the incidence of osteoporotic fractures is on an increasing trend. Locally, it is projected that there would be 3.3 million Malaysians aged 60 years old and above affected by osteoporosis in 2050.
Notably, the survey also discovered that more than half (57 per cent ) of respondents underestimated how common osteoporosis is among women.
"Osteoporosis affects men and women but women are at increased risk due to lower level of hormones during the menopausal stage, with at least 1 in 3 women over the age of 50 experiencing osteoporotic fractures at some time in their lives," says Fragility Fracture Network Malaysia president and consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Datuk Dr Lee Joon Kiong.
It is important to educate the public on the role of lifestyle modifications through proper nutritional intake and staying active to ensure good bone health, especially among women and older persons, he adds.
It's important to consume a balanced diet, which is not just rich in calcium but also protein and key nutrients for bone health. Vitamin D is another very important nutrient for bone health, which is predominantly obtained from sunlight and in limited amounts from food.
Due to the major lifestyle shift experienced as a result of the pandemic which has restricted outdoor activities, one should ensure that one gets at least 10-20 minutes of daily exposure to sunlight, an essential source of Vitamin D to strengthen bone health.
Based on the survey findings, BHAM is embarking on its "Love Your Bones" virtual campaign to raise public interest in osteoporosis and increase its recognition as a health priority.
The virtual campaign, launched in conjunction with World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) on Oct 20, aims to address the gaps and misconception of bone health knowledge among high-risk groups and their caregivers, while highlighting the importance of a proactive healthy lifestyle to prevent osteoporosis.