AUSTRALIA: Osteoporosis - It Affects Men Too

. CANBERRA, Australia / Department of Health / October 20, 2009 One in four Australian men over the age of 60 will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis. Fractures from osteoporosis are less common in men than in women but when fractures occur in men they cause higher disability and death rates, according to an official release today. Musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis and osteoporosis affect around 6.3 million Australians. Minister Justine Elliot said: “Australian men should be aware that as they age, their risk of developing osteoporosis is elevated, despite the misconception that the condition only affects women.” The Rudd Government provided more than $80,000 to Osteoporosis Australia for the development of the Men and Osteoporosis and Men and Osteoporosis – for GPs resources. To help get the message out, Osteoporosis Australia have recruited well known Australian athletes, Guy Leech and Robert de Castella to help promote the new resources. Minister Elliot said: “These new resources, coupled with an increased community awareness of osteoporosis in men are important steps towards reducing the incidence of the disease and increasing diagnosis. “These tools will help Australian men reduce and identify their risks of osteoporosis and fractures. Older people are at greater risk of osteoporosis as when people age their bones begin to lose calcium and can become weaker and are not as effective at absorbing calcium from food. “Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the loss of bone mass from getting worse and can also help to improve bone density. To improve bone health, men should lead an active and healthy life by getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet with an increased amount of calcium and vitamin D,” Minister Elliot said. This year the Rudd Government will invest nearly $30 million for research into musculoskeletal conditions, with a further $14.8 million over four years invested into the Better Arthritis and Osteoporosis Care initiative to improve care and management of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, focussing on osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. New resources aimed at increasing awareness and diagnoses of osteoporosis in Australian men were launched today to mark World Osteoporosis Day. Aimed at providing information for both members of the public and GPs, the brochures provide information on osteoporosis in men, including the common risk factors and how the disease can affect them. [rc] The Men and Osteoporosis resources are available at www.osteoporosis.org.au © Commonwealth of Australia