Khaberni - The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) has launched an innovative digital tool that can be completed in just three minutes, with the aim of helping individuals understand their risk of developing osteoporosis.
This step is part of the Great British Bone Check campaign, supported by the Queen for years, where ROS confirms that the digital tool will contribute to quicker diagnosis and treatment of the disease, according to the Independent newspaper.
The majority have not checked their bone health
A survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of ROS on a sample of 2,082 adults found that 79% had never checked their bone health, while 49% were unaware that women are more prone to fractures after menopause.
In this context, Julia Thomson, Nursing Director at ROS, emphasized the importance of early awareness of risk factors, noting that many people discover osteoporosis only after a fracture has occurred. She explained, "Osteoporosis is a condition that makes bones brittle and more prone to fractures, but it usually causes no pain until a fracture occurs."
The NHS website mentions that the disease develops gradually over years and estimates that about 3.5 million people in the UK are affected.
Thomson added that the disease is not limited to women, as men are also affected, with one in every two women and 20% of men over the age of 50 suffering a fracture due to osteoporosis.
She also clarified a common misconception: "The disease itself does not cause pain; what causes the pain are the fractures associated with it."
Five silent factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis
Family history: Having a parent who has had osteoporosis or fractures increases the likelihood of having it.
Age: Bone strength peaks at age 30, then naturally declines with age.
Gender: Women are more susceptible due to initially weaker bone strength and the loss of estrogen effects after menopause, which accelerates bone loss.
Medications: Some steroids may inhibit the function of bone-building cells, so it is important to monitor bone health when these medications are prescribed.
Lifestyle: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, being underweight or malnourished, and lack of physical activity negatively impact bone health.
Diagnosing Osteoporosis
Thomson explained that diagnosis begins with consulting a doctor to discuss risk factors, and the doctor may suggest a bone density scan to compare the strength of the bones with the normal range. If the results indicate osteoporosis, the doctor may prescribe medication to prevent fractures.
