Iran’s Ministry of Health is observing National Bone Health Week from October 18 to 24. During this period, the campaign aims to raise public awareness about bone health. It also promotes the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal conditions. Additionally, the week coincides with World Osteoporosis Day, celebrated globally on October 20. This alignment highlights the urgent need to address gaps in bone health care.
This year, the World Osteoporosis Day theme is “It’s Unacceptable!” The theme stresses the global urgency to close treatment and prevention gaps in osteoporosis care. Consequently, it urges individuals, healthcare systems, and policymakers to act immediately to prevent fractures and improve bone health.
Throughout the week, organizers run various programs focused on education and increasing health literacy. They also encourage lifestyles that support strong bones. For example, the Ministry of Health urges people to exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and create safe environments to reduce falls, especially among the elderly.
Osteoporosis literally means “porous bone.” It is a condition where bones lose density and strength. This makes fractures more likely. Doctors often call it the “silent disease” because many people do not realize they have it until a minor fall causes a fracture. Fragility fractures usually affect the spine, hip, or wrist. Sometimes, these fractures occur during simple actions like coughing or sneezing.
More than 500 million people worldwide suffer from osteoporosis. One in three women and one in five men over 50 will experience an osteoporotic fracture during their lifetime. These fractures reduce quality of life by causing pain, disability, and loss of independence. Hip fractures pose serious risks. Nearly 20 percent of patients die within a year after suffering a hip fracture. Furthermore, many survivors endure chronic pain and permanent disability. This places a heavy burden on families and healthcare systems.
Despite these risks, doctors fail to diagnose or treat up to 80 percent of patients with fragility fractures. Experts therefore emphasize that people should prioritize bone health throughout life. For example, schools should teach children about nutrition and exercise to build strong bones from a young age. Authorities also call for public health campaigns to raise awareness about osteoporosis and its risk factors. Additionally, they stress the importance of calcium and vitamin D intake to maintain bone health.
Iran’s National Bone Health Week reinforces the importance of these efforts. Ultimately, the campaign aims to motivate individuals and healthcare providers to act promptly against osteoporosis. As global attention grows, bone health remains a crucial issue requiring ongoing commitment and resources to reduce fractures and improve lives worldwide.