Have you heard about osteoporosis? Well, it’s a silent condition that can affect millions of people globally, make bones fragile, and increase the risk of fractures. Every year, on October 20, “World Osteoporosis Day (WOD),” a special day is celebrated to raise awareness about this silent condition, the importance of bone health, and some prevention tips for a healthy lifestyle. 

However, many people are not aware of World Osteoporosis Day (WOD). Don’t worry.

In this article, we will learn everything about World Osteoporosis Day, its history, importance, causes, and how you can celebrate it. Let’s find out.

History of World Osteoporosis Day

World Osteoporosis Day was first organised on October 20, 1996, by the United Kingdom’s National Osteoporosis Society with support from the European Commission. In 1997, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) took over the responsibility of organising this important day.

Over the years, many organisations have been supporting this event, including the World Health Organization (WHO). In 1998-1999, WHO co-sponsored the day to help raise awareness about osteoporosis and bone health. 

One key activity on World Osteoporosis Day is checking bone density. Bones with lower density are more likely to break or fracture easily, even from small falls or sudden movements. On World Osteoporosis Day, bone density checks are available worldwide.

World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) 20th October, 2024: Overview

World Osteoporosis Day is an important global event that is celebrated every year on October 20. It’s celebrated with international efforts to raise awareness about osteoporosis, a condition that can weaken the bones and make them easy to break or fracture. People need to check their bone density and keep them strong. In 2024, the World Osteoporosis Day theme is to showcase the importance of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to help people maintain strong bones and lead healthy lives. Various awareness campaigns and activities are going on this day to encourage people and raise awareness around early diagnosis treatments and preventive measures. The main aim of this event is to educate people about their bone health and how they can reduce the risk of break or fracture.

Read More: Find Here Osteoporosis Experts Nearby in Jaipur

Key Facts of Osteoporosis

Here are some key facts about Osteoporosis that you need to know:

• Osteoporosis is a hidden, underlying disease that causes pain and weak bones to break or fracture easily.
• Up to 70% of spine fractures remain undiagnosed, leaving at high risk of more fractures.
• Osteoporosis is a growing problem which affects one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50
• A family history of osteoporosis and broken bones is a sign that you, too, maybe at high risk.
• Osteoporosis affects more than 200 million people worldwide.
• Fragility fractures due to osteoporosis occur every 3 seconds globally

Importance of World Osteoporosis Day (WOD)

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle without showing any symptoms. Even a minor fall or sudden movement can cause bones to break after osteoporosis, especially in older people. It’s one of the common cases of bone fractures, and that’s why it’s important to spread awareness about bone health to prevent serious problems. 

This is where World Osteoporosis Day plays a crucial role in raising awareness about this issue and promoting healthy ways to keep the bones strong and red, reduce the risk of fractures, and prevent osteoporosis.

As osteoporosis is a growing condition globally, 1 out of 3 women and 1 out of 5 men have experienced bone fractures over the age of 50, which leads to osteoporosis. However, it’s a silent issue that people weren’t aware of and didn’t take proper diagnosis and treatment at an early stage to prevent serious issues later.

Causes and Risk Factors of Osteoporosis

Here are some factors that cause osteoporosis:

• Age: As we get older, bones naturally lose strength and become weaker. It happens faster in women due to lower estrogen levels.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis because of small bone size and frequent hormonal changes. Buy men get osteoporosis as they age.
• Family History: If osteoporosis happens in your family, then there’s a high chance that you will have to.
• Physical Inactivity: Lack of exercise weakens bones over time. So, it’s important to do regular exercise and maintain bone density.
• Smoking and Alcohol: Excessive smoking and drinking can also reduce calcium absorption and slow new bone tissue formation.

How to Get Involved with World Osteoporosis Day 2024?

Here’s how you can involved in World Osteoporosis Day :

1. Wear White: Wearing white on World Osteoporosis Day is a simple but effective way to raise awareness about the importance of bone health.

2. Focus on your Health: You can start taking action for your own health by getting a bone density test to check for any risk of osteoporosis. If there is, then find ways to prevent it and keep your bones strong.

3. Spread Awareness: Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about the importance of bone health, and use social media to share factors, resources, and stories about preventing osteoporosis.

4. Participate in Events: On World Osteoporosis Day, October 20, various events will take place, including workshops, health screenings, or awareness campaigns to promote bone health.

5. Engage with Healthcare Professionals: You can also connect with doctors, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals to learn more about osteoporosis prevention and increase awareness of this disease. So that more people can take care of their bones.

Some Useful Tips for Bone Health and Fracture-Free Future

Here are some useful tips to follow:

• Do weight-bearing exercises regularly to keep your joints stronger
• Ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D daily
• Eat a balanced diet with a good amount of calcium-rich foods
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption

Conclusion

World Osteoporosis Day is one of the important events that is celebrated every year on October 20. It raises the awareness of preventing enterprises and the importance of bone health. This is a silent disease that often goes unnoticed, and spreading awareness helps people detect the issue early and take prevention steps. We hope this guide will help you know everything about osteoporosis, the importance of World Osteoporosis Day, bone health, and why having a healthy lifestyle is important. Now, it’s your turn to spread awareness about strong bones and a healthy lifestyle.

FAQs

Q. What is World Osteoporosis Day, and what is its significance?

World Osteoporosis Day is celebrated every year on October 20 to raise awareness about osteoporosis, a disease that can weaken bones and is prone to fracture. This day emphasizes the importance of bone health and early diagnosis of osteoporosis to take prevention steps and reduce risk.

Q. What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a medical disease that weakens bones and makes them prone to fracture bone tissue faster.

Q. What causes Osteoporosis?

There are several factors that causes of osteoporosis, including hormonal changes, ageing, lack of physical activity, smoking, and certain medical conditions like family history.

Q. Can Osteoporosis be prevented?

Yes, osteoporosis can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, and avoiding bad habits.