Osteoporosis SA is a division of Arthritis SA. Membership includes Arthritis SA member benefits. To join, click here.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become fragile and brittle, and can fracture more easily than normal bones. Even minor falls can cause serious fractures.
50% of women and 33% of men over 60 years of age will develop a fracture due to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis and fractures are major causes of injury, long term disability and even death in older Australians.
Who is at risk of developing osteoporosis?
The following list is a guide to find out your level of risk of developing osteoporosis. Knowing about your risk factors and making suitable changes may help prevent the development of osteoporosis and fractures. Women are more at risk of developing osteoporosis for several reasons, but if men develop osteoporosis the consequences can be more serious.
Remember to discuss your risk with your doctor.
Risk factors for osteoporosis include:
- Advanced age
- Family history
- Small or thin build
- Low levels of oestrogen (women)
- Delayed puberty or early menopause
- Low levels of testosterone (men)
- Low calcium intake
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Low physical activity levels
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic diseases of kidney, lung, liver, stomach, intestines or thyroid
- Long term treatment (over 3 months) with Corticosteroids
Preventing and managing osteoporosis
Steps to help prevent and manage osteoporosis and fractures include:
- Discuss bone density testing with your doctor
- Include foods high in calcium in your diet.
- Find out whether you need a Vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium and may have other benefits.
- Take part in a regular exercise program suitable for your level of ability
- Ask about weight-bearing, strengthening and balance exercises
- Medications may be prescribed by your doctor to help manage osteoporosis
- Stop smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
Contact Osteoporosis SA to find out more and for further information on (08) 8379 5345.
Discuss your risk with your doctor or health care provider
The information presented is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Osteoporosis SA recommends that you consult your doctor and / or health professional for further information and for specific advice.
Other information and resources available from Osteoporosis SA
Helpline - Telephone Osteoporosis SA for further information
For South Australian residents.
9.30am - 3.00pm, Mon - Fri
Telephone (08) 8379 5345 or country free call on 1800 242 141
Trained telephone advisors respond to community enquiries about osteoporosis.
Healthy Bones Week
Held in August each year.
Osteoporosis SA:
- Organises public seminars and other education activities
- Can provide a guest speaker or display
- Visits schools to raise awareness
- Distributes selected materials to raise awareness of osteoporosis and related topics
Osteoporosis education sessions for community and health workers
These are offered on demand in Adelaide and regional areas. Additional activities are organized as part of funded projects.
To be advised about sessions please contact Osteoporosis SA Coordinator on (08) 8379 5345 or country free call on 1800 242 141.
Click here Calendar - Events for details about education sessions
Workplace education & professional development
Osteoporosis education can be tailored for your staff, and can be conducted at your workplace. Please contact Osteoporosis SA Coordinator on (08) 84230910 to discuss your requirements.
Library
A selection of resources are available on osteoporosis and related topics.
Borrowing privileges extend to members only.
Members’ Magazine
Osteoblast, a publication of Osteoporosis Australia
This magazine is posted to members 3 times per year.
To join click here.
Resource booklets about osteoporosis, preventing falls and fractures and related topics
Limits apply. South Australian residents only. A charge may apply for multiple copies.
For price and order details please contact Osteoporosis SA Coordinator on (08) 84230910.
For single fact sheets and translated copies please click here.
DVD and Video Sales
Falls & Fractures: Beating the Odds, An exercise routine designed to help strengthen and to help prevent falls.
For prices and order details please contact Osteoporosis SA on 8379 5345 or country free call on 1800 242 141,
or email osteoporosis@arthritissa.org.au
Exercise Classes
Become motivated and start an exercise program today!
Local community classes for members and community.
Several grades of classes available, including Easy Movers, Bones on the Move, Tai Chi, Bones and Joints Walkers groups.
Email osteoporosis@arthritissa.org.au or telephone Osteoporosis SA Coordinator on 08 84230910 to enrol.
Western Osteoporosis Support Group
A friendly support group which discusses current information as well as providing friendship and support. Meets six times per year in the western suburbs of Adelaide.
Click here Calendar - Events for information about meeting dates
Ways to help and be involved
Osteoporosis SA is a not-for-profit division of Arthritis SA. You can offer practical assistance to help people with osteoporosis and to help raise awarensss in the community.
Become a member of Osteoporosis SA (SA residents only)
Members receive copies of Osteoblast, local newsletter, advice about education activities, invitations to specific functions, and can use the library. To join click here.
Would you like to?
Be an Osteoporosis SA Badge Day collector
Held each year in October, this event aims to raise money towards educational activities of Osteoporosis SA. To register your interest, please email osteoporosis@arthritissa.org.au
Volunteer to help with a Healthy Bones Week activity and at other times?
Did you know that many people who become involved in this way also learn a great del more about dealing with osteoporosis? Register at osteoporosis@arthritissa.org.au now and find out more.
Be advised about activities in your local area including exercise classes?
Find out more in the What’s On section of this website, or email osteoporosis@arthritissa.org.au
Have a guest speaker visit your worksite, school or sporting group?
Please email osteoporosis@arthritissa.org.au and an educator will contact you (South Australian residents only).
Suggested websites
Osteoporosis Australia
www.osteoporosis.org.au
Up-to-date resource booklets are available to download from this site. Students are encouraged to visit this site.
International Osteoporosis Foundationwww.osteofound.org
Healthy Bones Weekwww.healthybones.com.au
Osteoporosis Reports
An Epidemiological Analysis of Osteoporosis Among South Australians Report - July 2008