World Osteoporosis Day was Celebrated

20 October 2013: World Osteoporosis day

World Osteoporosis day was celebrated across the world on 20 October 2013. Osteoporosis occurs when there is a loss in the peak bone mass and loss of calcium leading to hip, knee and shoulder fractures. World Osteoporosis Day is observed annually on 20 October, and launches a year-long campaign dedicated to raising global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. It is organised by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF). World Osteoporosis Day involves campaigns by national osteoporosis patient societies from around the world with activities in over 90 countries.

World Osteoporosis Day was launched on 20 October 1996 by the United Kingdom’s National Osteoporosis Society and supported by the European Commission. Since 1997, the day was organised by the International Osteoporosis Foundation. In 1998 and 1999, the World Health Organization acted as co-sponsor of World Osteoporosis Day.

The Deficiency of vitamin D and lack of mineral-rich food are the other causes of calcium loss in the bones. For this, doctors advise exposure to sun. Similarly, people suffering from arthritis, liver diseases or who sweat excessively too are prone to bone diseases. The bone diseases among women are a common occurrence, but of late, Osteoporosis, is fast affecting men, mostly after they turn 60. It is estimated that there will be around 36 million people in the world suffering from the disease by the end of this year.