PGI docs throw light on osteoporosis

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 20 

Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 23, organised an event to observe World Osteoporosis Day here on Saturday. PGI doctors also attended the event. 

They said three out of five women over 50 years and two out of five men over 60 years had osteoporosis in India. They said fractures associated with osteoporosis were responsible for increased morbidity and mortality. 

They said 20 per cent to 25 per cent of individuals suffering from osteoporotic fracture die by the end of a year and 30 per cent to 35 per cent  by the end of five years, which was comparable with breast cancer and thyroid carcinoma. 

The PGI doctors said osteoporosis was a preventable as well as treatable disease. Osteoporosis is a major upcoming health problem in India as prevalence is high due to poor nutrition and increasing longevity, they added.  

The event was jointly organised by the Indian Society for Bone and Mineral Research, Department of Endocrinology, PGI, Pratigya Foundation, World NCD Federation and Indian and Chandigarh Region Menopausal Society.

Close to 300 participants, including students, teachers and patients of osteoporosis and their relatives, from Chandigarh took part in the event.  It was held to make the masses aware of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone diseases.