"The Ceredigion Integrated Osteoporosis Service is unique in the UK and was set up by Dr Jones and myself in 2002.
Osteoporosis literally means 'porous bones'. Our bones are made up of a thick outer shell and a strong inner honeycomb mesh of tiny struts of bone. Osteoporosis means some of these struts become thin or break. This makes the bone more fragile and prone to break (a "fracture") it often remains undetected until the time of this first fracture.
Broken wrists, hips and spinal bones are the most common fractures in people with Osteoporosis. One in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 in the UK will break a bone, mainly because of Osteoporosis.
The condition may also cause people to 'shrink' as they get older. It causes the characteristic 'dowager's hump' because of fractures in the spine (are you getting shorter?). However, Osteoporosis is treatable, even if you are much older! Medication is available to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures. If you think you are at risk of Osteoporosis then discuss whether you need an assessment with your GP.
Our Osteoporosis Service is specifically targeted at reducing the number of fractures (due to osteoporosis) in three high-risk groups across Ceredigion: frail, elderly people who live in Care Homes; people who take steroid tablets long-term and those people who attend Bronglais Hospital having fractured a bone through a simple knock or fall.
A General Osteoporosis Clinic is also held in Bronglais Hospital for those with more complex needs.
I am the Secretary of the Ceredigion National Osteoporosis Society Support Group. This is a friendly welcoming group that meets on the 4th Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the Leri Day Unit, Bronglais Hospital (not August, December or January). We provide information and support to those affected by Osteoporosis and enjoy lively meetings with excellent speakers.
Our bone health is largely down to the genes we inherit from our parents, but there are other factors that can put people at greater risk:
• Women if they have had an early menopause or hysterectomy (before the age of 45)
• Men if they have low levels of the hormone testosterone
• People who have broken a bone after only a minor trauma (called a fragility fracture)
• People who take steroid tablets (for conditions such as asthma or arthritis)
• People with a family history of osteoporosis, particularly if your mother has broken her hip
• People with medical conditions which affect the absorption of foods, such as Crohn's disease, coeliac disease or ulcerative colitis
• People with medical conditions which leave them immobile for a long time
• People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol
• People who smoke
• Women who are underweight or have developed an eating disorder
Osteoporosis can also affect children and young people and pregnant women but these conditions are extremely rare.
I provide education for patients and families, the public, social services and health personnel and spend a lot of my time telling people that the way we live our lives can have a major impact on the health of our bones.
It's worth remembering that bones are alive and constantly changing!
You can help your bones by eating foods that contain Calcium and Vitamin D (or by taking supplements); being active is good for your bones - take regular weight bearing exercise (such as walking); stop smoking and avoid excessive amounts of alcohol.
Don't forget that if you are prescribed medication to treat Osteoporosis it is important to keep taking it to reduce your risk of fracture (alternatives may be available if you cannot tolerate the medication prescribed for you)".
More information on Osteoporosis and healthy bones is available from the National Osteoporosis Society on their website. In addition, their low cost helpline number is 0845 450 0230. The telephone helpline is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, except on bank holidays when it is closed.
Written by Debbie Stone
