Public invited to free seminar on osteoporosis

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Osteoporosis now costs Australia more than $2 billion a year
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Friday, 15 October 2010

Australia's 'silent disease,' osteoporosis, which is costing the country more than $2 billion a year, will be the focus of a free public seminar at the University of Adelaide on Wednesday 20 October.

The information evening coincides with World Osteoporosis Day and will be held in the University's Florey Lecture Theatre, situated in Medical School North on Frome Road. It will feature a panel of six national osteoporosis experts.

People are invited to come along and hear the facts about osteoporosis, including who is likely to suffer from it, its effects, as well as prevention and treatment options, including the role of diet, calcium, vitamin D and sunlight, medication and exercise.

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become fragile and brittle, fracturing more easily than normal bones. Half of all women and one third of men aged over 60 in Australia will have a fracture due to osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease as there are usually no signs or symptoms until someone has a fracture.

One of the key experts appearing on the panel, Professor Christopher Nordin AO from the Royal Adelaide Hospital, says more than 20,000 people are hospitalised in Australia each year with hip fractures - most of which are preventable with diet and lifestyle.

The information evening is free but seats are limited so booking is essential. Phone 1800 242 141 or email: reception@arthritissa.org.au to book.

The media is also welcome to attend.

WHAT: Free information evening on osteoporosis
WHERE: Florey Lecture Theatre, Medical School North, Frome Road, University of Adelaide
WHEN: Wednesday 20 October, 2010. Registration 6pm, forum 6.30pm-8.30pm
CONTACT: Karen Hunt 8222 5661

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