National Osteoporosis Month is marked throughout June every year. It is a special awareness month that makes it easier for people to find out about the critical importance of good bone health and osteoporosis prevention. Did you know that hundreds of millions of people in the world suffer from osteoporosis and low bone density? In fact, approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and more than 44 million have low bone density, placing them at increased risk of osteoporosis. What exactly is osteoporosis? How can we prevent it? Is there any remedy for people suffering from the disease? Let’s get into the details.
History of National Osteoporosis Month
Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by a brittle weakness of the bones. It is often called the silent disease because you cannot feel your bones getting weaker. In fact, you may not even know you have osteoporosis until after you break a bone.
In the United Kingdom, June is officially observed as National Osteoporosis Month. This National Osteoporosis Month aims to generate awareness and inspire behavioral change to keep the bones healthy. Although human bone density reduces with age, contrary to what most people think, osteoporosis isn’t a normal symptom of aging, it’s not normal at any stage of life. It can cause serious broken bones, pain, suffering, life-altering loss of mobility, and even death.
We reach our peak bone mass between ages 25 and 30, and then, we slowly start losing bone mass at age 40. This is accelerated for women. They lose 1.5% to 2% of their bone density per year in the first 10 years after menopause, which is why women over 50 are particularly at risk of having osteoporosis. People with low body weight, and people with a family history of osteoporosis, are also at risk. However, the disease is preventable through the regular consumption of calcium and Vitamin D and treatable through physical therapy and medications.
National Osteoporosis Month timeline
A British Surgeon comments on the association between abnormal bones and fractures.
A French pathologist uses the word ‘Osteoporosis’ to describe weak bones.
Fuller Albright reports cases of women with vertebral fractures after menopause.
Riggs and Melton propose different diagnosis methods for different types of osteoporosis.
National Osteoporosis Month FAQs
What is the main cause of osteoporosis in women?
For women, the main cause of osteoporosis is bone loss due to a drop in the body’s estrogen levels. Menopause is the most trigger for estrogen loss in women.
What are some of the early warning signs of osteoporosis?
The most common early warning signs of osteoporosis are receding gums, decreased grip strength, cramps, bone pain, fracture, loss of height, and brittle fingernails.
What does osteoporosis pain feel like?
You may experience severe back pain that gets worse when you are standing or walking. Lying down gives some relief but anything that involves twisting or bending your body will be painful.
How to Observe National Osteoporosis Month
Start a fundraiser
A place to start when marking National Osteoporosis Month is by hosting a fundraiser event. Identify a relevant organization to fund, and with their permission, plan an event to help them raise funds for research or to help Osteoporosis patients pay their medical bills. Invite your friends, family, and network to attend, make donations and support the event.
Contribute to the cause
Contribute to the cause in other ways like advocating for improved patient care and support. You may also make hospital visits to cheer up and keep the sick company, or volunteer at the relevant organizations.
Share your story
Raise awareness about osteoporosis through your personal experiences. By sharing your journey, you can help others tackle their own difficulties.
5 Serious Facts About Osteoporosis You Need To Know
Men are ahead
Men have a 10-year head start over women in terms of their bone health.
Ethnicity plays a role
Osteoporosis occurs mostly in Caucasian and Asian women.
Quitting smoking can help
Quitting smoking can help reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
It costs a lot
The osteoporosis medication and hospitalization costs sum up to $19 billion+ annually.
Sneezing can be serious
People with osteoporosis can break a bone from simple actions like sneezing.
Why National Osteoporosis Month is Important
We need this awareness period
The core aim of National Osteoporosis Month is to improve quality of life by preventing low bone density. It also supports people who are suffering from the disease.
Many people work together on this
The success of National Osteoporosis Month is possible due to the activities of dedicated volunteers, healthcare professionals, staff, and cooperative people. It’s time to get involved.
Healthy bones, healthy life
With millions of people suffering from osteoporosis, National Osteoporosis Month is a great way to learn how to maintain healthy bones. Knowledge is power.
National Osteoporosis Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 1 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 1 | Monday |
| 2027 | June 1 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | June 1 | Thursday |
| 2029 | June 1 | Friday |
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