CHENNAI: Lack of exposure to adequate levels of sunlight, exercise and improper diet can lead to osteoporosis.

On World Osteoporosis Day held on Tuesday, doctors at the Apollo Hospital conducted an informative programme on the “silent epidemic”.

Doctors noted that osteoporosisrelated injury is not visible but it is true that almost six out of ten fractures and bone injuries in India are caused by osteoporosis. Contrary to assumptions, trauma (accidents) is not the main cause of serious injuries.

It is weak bones that cause it.

osteoporotic fractures – also regarded as fragility fractures – occur in situations where healthy people would not normally break a bone.

Dr Sajan Hegde, Spine Surgeon, at the Apollo Hospital, noted that habits like smoking and drinking increase the chances of getting the disease. Lifestyle issues are a major reason behind the disease, he said.

Once a person crosses the age of 50, one in three women and one in 12 men are prone to the bone ailment.

People have to be aware about the symptoms of the silent epidemic as a routine x ray might not detect it unless it is a fully fledged problem.

The Dual Energy X ray Absorptiometry is the right device for detecting the problem, he said.

The popular misconception is that Osteoporosis affects only the old, but the fact is that it can strike any age group though those above the age of 65 are at a higher risk.

Also one is at more risk if a close relative has osteoporosis.

Source: expressbuzz.com