Sunday, October, 20 will be celebrated as World Osteoporosis Day 2019 and as the name suggests, the day aims at increasing awareness about the bone condition. There exist many misconceptions about the Osteoporosis and the awareness is low as well. Campaigns dedicated to raising global awareness about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis are launched.  and metabolic bone disease. World Osteoporosis Day is organised by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) that holds community events and local campaigns for patients across the world. For those who don't know Osteoporosis is caused by the decreased density of the bones over time and problems occur when healthy bone tissues of the bones get rebuilt by the body regularly. You have osteoporosis when this process lessens to the extent that there begins to happen breakdown more than the build-up. This causes the bones to become brittle and prone to fracture. What Is the Difference Between Arthritis and Osteoporosis? Why Are the Two Bone Diseases Confused with Each Other?

World Osteoporosis Day History

The history of World Osteoporosis Day dates back to October 20, 1996, when the United Kingdom’s National Osteoporosis Society started the event with the support of the European Commission. International Osteoporosis Foundation began to observe this day as an awareness day. In the years 1998 and 1999, the World Health Organisation co-sponsor of World Osteoporosis Day.

Theme and Significance

The aim of World Osteoporosis Day is to increase awareness about the day. Osteoporosis causes the density of the bone to deteriorate and cause lifetime trouble. The bone disease often causes pain and fragility making you more prone to have issues in waking or doing difficult tasks. There are a huge number of people suffering from Osteoporosis which can be prevented if the right measures are taken.

Past Themes:

  • 2010: Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Fractures
  • 2011: 3 Steps to Prevention: Calcium, Vitamin D and Exercise
  • 2012: Stop at One: Make your First Break your Last
  • 2013: Strong Women Make Stronger Women
  • 2014: Real Men Build Their Strength from Within
  • 2015: Serve Up Bone Strength
  • 2016: Love Your Bones - Protect your Future
  • 2017: Love Your Bones - Protect your Future

Osteoporosis may exhibit very mild or negligible symptoms. Major symptoms include, bone fragility(more prone to fractures), a stooped posture, loss in height, persistent dull ache in the neck or lower back. If you see any of the symptoms mentioned, you must visit a doctor.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 20, 2019 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).