Free heel bone density checks will be available at the Gold Coast University Hospital onTuesday16 October when it teams up with Griffith University forOsteoporosis Awareness Day(actual date 20 October).
Affecting both men and women – but more common in women because of the rapid decline in oestrogen levels during menopause – osteoporosis is a common condition affecting over 1 million Australians. Causing bones to become brittle, it results in a higher risk of fracture.
“Current statistics show that one in three women and one in five men aged over the age of 50, worldwide, will suffer an osteoporotic fracture,”saysProfessor Belinda BeckfromGriffith’sMenzies Health Institute Queensland.
“For women aged 45 and over, osteoporosis accounts for more days in hospital than breast cancer, myocardial infarction, diabetes and other diseases.”
Professor Beck is currently leading a studyat Griffith Universitywith the aim of preventing osteoporotic fracture in older women with vibration or exercise.
Pilot data has shown whole body vibration and certain exercises improve bone mass but it is unclear which strategy is most effective.
Professor Beck is hopeful that a head-to-head comparison of the two forms of therapy will provide the answer.
Date: 16 Oct (World Osteoporosis Day – Saturday 20 Oct, 2018) Time: 9am —3pm Venue: GC University Hospital.
Contact details:[email protected]
Website:www.griffith.edu.au/vibmor