What's your BONE DENSITY?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which a progressive decrease in the density of bones weakens the bones, making fractures likely.

Bones contain minerals, such as calcium and phosphorous, which make them hard and dense. To maintain bone density, the body requires an adequate supply of calcium and other minerals and must produce the proper amounts of several hormones, such as parathyroid hormone, growth hormone, calcitonin, estrogen and testosterone. An adequate supply of Vitamin D is also needed to absorb calcium from food and incorporate it into bones. Vitamin D is absorbed from the diet and also manufactured in the skin by sunlight.

Osteoporosis related fractures have been recognised as a major health problem, particularly in the elderly. The common sites of fracture are the spine, wrist and hip. Hip fractures are associated with high morbidity and a mortality rate of up to 20% in the first

year. Majority of those who survive are disabled and only 25% will resume normal activities.

In 1997, the incidence of hip fracture in Malaysia among individuals above 50 years of age was 90 per 100,000. There was a marked increase in the incidence among the older age group. The incidence of hip fracture is consistently higher in women, see table below

Incidence of Hip Fracture in Malaysia by Age Group 1997¹

	Incidence by Age Group (per 100,000)
Age Group	Male	Female	Overall
50-54	10	10	10
55-59	20	30	20
60-64	40	50	40
65-69	60	100	80
70-74	100	230	170
>75	320	640	510

In our community, the Chinese had the highest incidence of hip fractures compared to the Malays and Indians. Chinese women accounted for 44.8% of hip fractures. The direct hospitalisation cost for hip fractures in 1997 is estimated at RM 22 million. This is a gross underestimate of the total economic burden, as it does not take into account the costs incurred in rehabilitation and long term nursing care. Therefore, in an ageing population this cost will escalate without appropriate intervention.

1. Clinical Practice Guidelines on Management of Osteoporosis 2006. Jointly published by the Malaysian Osteoporosis Society and the Academy of Medicine

Picture from http://image.oprekpc.com/images/341_osteoporosis11.gif

For your convenience, Wyeth, the manufacturers of CALTRATE, will be conducting a

FREE Bone Density Test

February 4, 2010 (Thursday), between 11.00am and 2.00pm at our Port Klang Pharmacy