The Osteoporosis Patient Society “OSTEORUS” and the Russian Association on Osteoporosis (RAOP) held an important event in Russia to help raise awareness about osteoporosis, support those affected, and promote better bone health for all.  

Inspired by an initiative outlined in the May issue of IOF’s 206 Newsletter, the societies implemented a national campaign, inviting people from all regions of the country to join it. The slogan of the Russian event is #Healthy Bones Require Movement - Forward!”. It was dedicated to two important Russian holidays in June: the national holiday "Russia Day" (June 12) and the "Day of the Medical Worker" (June 15). This dedication was fitting, as the future of a country and the health of its people are deeply interconnected.

The organizers of the campaign included the Yaroslavl branch of the Russian Association on Osteoporosis (President of RAOP Prof. Olga Lesniak), All-Russian Osteoporosis Patient Society “OSTEORUS” (head Prof. Olga Ershova), Public Organization “Women's Union” of Yaroslavl region (head Olga Khitrova), YMSU (Yaroslavl Medical State University, Prof. A. Khokhlov), and Club “Breakfast with Meaning” (organizer Tatiana Malysheva). 

The idea was supported by Elena Sidorenko, the head of the patient community “I Love Life” doctors from RAOP - Khatia Gordjeladze, head of the Regional Osteoporosis Center, Valentina Dzhalatova, lecturer of the Department of Public Health and Health Care of the Yaroslavl State Medical University, Anna Nazarova, rheumatologist, and other Yaroslavl residents with an active life position. Victoria Sotskova, head of the Union of Journalists of Yaroslavl, provided informational support to the event. 

The nationwide campaign aims to draw the attention of society, the state, and politicians to the problem of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis, to emphasize the importance of comprehensive and early prevention, its significance for active longevity, and the formation of a healthy lifestyle model. It’s important to make time for health promotion and positive communication, and to invest in personal growth to maintain a positive outlook on life. The campaign demonstrated that it is possible to keep physically active, and to benefit your bones at any time by walking. 

Yaroslavl: The event was held in Yaroslavl's 1000th Anniversary Park on June 7, 2025. 

Galina Evstifeeva, an active volunteer of “OSTEORUS”, introduced the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), its initiative and its goals to prevent osteoporosis and broken bones, promote strong bones for life, and to spread the word to help build a stronger, healthier community. 
Elena Leonchuk, the head of the Nordic Walking Club in Yaroslavl “Nordik-Yar”, a long-time friend and partner of “OSTEORUS”, conducted a workshop on Nordic walking. The participants listened to the information about the technique of walking with poles, warmed up, and walked several kilometers along the paths of the beautiful park. Nordic walking is an excellent way to help maintain strong bones and muscles!

More than 30 people joined the event to take steps toward a future with fewer fractures and stronger bones. 

Further events were held in Ekaterinburg, Omsk and Kazan.

Ekaterinburg: In Ekaterinburg, the workshop on Nordic Walking was organized by the head of the Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Department, Vladimir Ryzhkin. Postgraduate students, wearing T-shirts with the emblem of RAOP and the slogan #Healthy Bones Require Movement. Forward!” showed exercises and walking elements to the visitors of the City Park named after an outstanding Soviet pilot, Valery Chkalov. 

It was an educational event that helped to raise awareness about osteoporosis among the city's citizens. 

Omsk: In Omsk the organizers of the event were Natalia Ibragimova and Lyubov Kruten, specialists of the Clinical Medical Surgery Center. 

Kazan: In Kazan, a network of medical centers “BARSMED,” performed as organizers of the bright and meaningful event #Healthy Bones Require Movement. Forward!” on June 7^th. The head of one of the clinics, Dr. K. Zeinetginov, greeted numerous participants of the Event. They received important information about osteoporosis from radiologist A. Shafigullina and asked many questions. The talk was followed by a workshop and a walk. 

By participating in all these events, we have raised public awareness of osteoporosis - “a silent” disease that can be prevented. Our steps matter! 

We express our sincere gratitude to IOF for sharing this important initiative, which helps promote better, healthier bones for all.

Contributed by Victoria Sotskova and Galina Evstifeeva 

Images from the events
Yaroslavl
  Ekaterinburg
  Omsk

Kazan