Share This Day

Share to your favorite social media page

When is World Osteoporosis Day?

World Osteoporosis Day occurs every year on October 20th.

What is World Osteoporosis Day?

Imagine breaking a bone with a sneeze. It may sound crazy, but it happens more often than you’d think. Osteoporosis weakens the bones, and World Osteoporosis Day raises awareness about this debilitating disease.

The cross-section of a healthy bone looks like a honeycomb, with small gaps evenly spaced out throughout the bone. Osteoporosis prevents the body from making enough bone though, or the body loses bone mass too quickly. It makes bones grow with bigger spaces and holes than usual.

These lower density bones are more prone to snap during a fall or a collision. Spine and hip fractures, broken wrists, and broken shoulders are common injuries linked to osteoporosis. These fractures can become life-threatening or lead to permanent disability and chronic pain. World Osteoporosis Day reminds us of the importance of keeping our bones strong.

Facts about World Osteoporosis Day!

  • Among people over 50, osteoporosis affects one in three women and one in five men.
  • Researchers estimate that as many as 70% of people who suffer from a spinal fracture have not yet been diagnosed.
  • Chronic back pain, a hunched back, and height-loss are common signs of osteoporosis.

How to celebrate World Osteoporosis Day:

Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercise, and avoid smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Eat well, with plenty of Vitamin D, protein, and calcium to build those bones!

Learn about the signs and risk factors of osteoporosis. Some medications and procedures may put you at higher risk. People over 50 with any of the risk factors should ask a doctor about testing.

What’s the hashtag for World Osteoporosis Day?

Use #WorldOsteoporosisDay on social media to spread the word about bone health.