MORE than 36,000 people living in the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains have poor bone health, according to Osteoporosis Australia, but many may not realise it until it’s too late.
Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman joined Olympic Gold Medallist and World Champion Hurdler, Sally Pearson OAM and former Australian Cricket Captain and World Cup Champion, Michael Clarke, to encourage residents to Know Your Bones as part of an awareness campaign for World Osteoporosis Day (20 October).
“According to Osteoporosis Australia, 67 percent of people aged 50 and over in the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains, have poor bone health,” Ms Templeman said.
“Every year, more than one thousand fractures occur, often from just a minor bump or fall, but many could have been prevented with early diagnosis and treatment.”
Poor bone health can lead to Osteoporosis which makes bones become brittle, leading to a higher risk of breaks than in normal bones resulting in fractures and in some cases immobility.
“Any bone can be affected by osteoporosis, but the most common sites are the hip, spine and wrist. Unfortunately, osteoporosis usually has no symptoms until a fracture occurs,” Ms Templeman said.
She encouraged residents aged over 50 to get online and use the Know Your Bones self-assessment tool at www.knowyourbones.org.au, developed by Osteoporosis Australia and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.
Olympic Gold Medallist, Sally Pearson OAM said it is very important that Australians are aware of their bone health.
“With my own personal history of bone fractures, I understand how important it is to look after your bones,” she said.
“I’d encourage more Australians to use the Know Your Bones online self- assessment tool.
“I also encourage anyone with concerns about their results to talk to their GP.”
