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Osteoporosis, a disease in which bones weaken and are susceptible tofracture, is an increasing concern in all countries, particularly those withlarge and growing populations over the age of 50.
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How common is osteoporosis? Around the world one in three women and onein five men over the age of fifty will suffer an osteoporotic fracture. InEurope alone, a fracture occurs every 8 seconds. Fractures can have seriousconsequences, causing pain and debilitation. They all too often result inlost quality of life, long-term dependence, or even death; one in five hipfracture patients die within 12 months of fracture.
Despite its widespread impact, the socio-economic burden of osteoporosisis sadly underestimated. Few governments recognise the enormous cost that thedisease represents to individuals, their families, health care systems andfacilities for the elderly.
On World Osteoporosis Day, IOF joins its almost 200 global patient andmedical member societies in calling for individual and government action tomake bone health and fracture prevention a priority.
About IOF
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is a not-for-profit,nongovernmental organization dedicated to the worldwide fight againstosteoporosis, the disease known as 'the silent epidemic'. For moreinformation about IOF visit http://www.iofbonehealth.orgFor interviews, contact: [email protected] Contact: Laura Misteli Phone: +41-22-994-01-00
SOURCE International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)