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World Osteoporosis Day, marked on October 20th each year, is a prime time to put the spotlight on osteoporosis.
Below, read about this year's theme and find out how to get involved and support the campaign in many different ways.
About the 2024 World Osteoporosis Day Campaign
Under the banner of ‘Say no to fragile bones’, this year’s World Osteoporosis Day campaign will seek to put an end to the inertia surrounding bone health by urging people of all ages to value and protect their bones. The following messages will be addressed to patients, healthcare professionals and health authorities:
- Our bone health is precious. Healthy bones are at the core of our well-being, mobility, and independence. People of all ages should protect their bone health by taking early action for osteoporosis prevention through bone-healthy nutrition, regular weight-bearing physical activity, and avoidance of negative lifestyle factors like smoking.
- Osteoporosis matters. Osteoporosis is a serious health threat with potentially devasting consequences. Recognizing individual risk factors, prioritizing bone health (as we do cardiovascular health!), asking for osteoporosis screening or testing upon identification of risk factors, and adhering to any prescribed medication regimen: through these strategies, we can bridge the osteoporosis care gap, safeguarding our mobility and independence as we age.
- Make bone health a healthcare policy priority. With up to 37 million fragility fractures occurring globally each year, osteoporosis poses an enormous human and health economic burden worldwide. Health authorities must prioritize bone health in several ways, including by investing in post-fracture care services. These services ensure that every fracture patient aged 50+ who goes to a hospital with a broken bone is expertly assessed and treated for osteoporosis to prevent recurring and potentially life-threatening fractures.
Highlight your World Osteoporosis Day event or Campaign
Is your organization, hospital, or university planning to hold an awareness or educational event or campaign around World Osteoporosis Day (October 20th)? Be sure to submit information to the WOD Global Events map – let’s build momentum for the year’s highly anticipated awareness campaign!