Tarik Khashoggi, the Deputy Executive Regional Director of Medical Services in King Abdulaziz Hospital – Al-Ahsa and Mr. Saeed Al-Dossari the Associate Regional Director launched activities that correspond to the World Osteoporosis Day.
The National Guard Health Affairs regional executive manager in the Eastern province, Dr. Ahmad Al-Arfaj said that these educational campaigns aim to raise the level of health awareness among hospital visitors and patients. It is within the basic goals of the NGHA to raise community awareness and services in adopting good health habits.
Ms. Zahra Basri, a consultant and health promotions services specialist, indicated that osteoporosis is one of the most common bone diseases and that it has a 58% rate of occurrence with Saudi women. Osteoporosis is one of the dangerous diseases where the symptoms tend to show only in the advanced stages or in the cases of bone fractures. Basri also pointed out that a healthy lifestyle plays a great role in preventing this disease such as increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sun exposure and avoiding smoking. Bone is considered a live tissue that is constantly changing and has vital body functions. As such, trying to treat bone loss as one ages can never be compared to the strength and density of maintaining one’s bones during earlier years.
Physiotherapist Yasser Khalifa said the community should be conscious about proper preventive measures and therapeutic exercises that help increase bone strength and density.Moreover, physiotherapist Lama Hemli pointed out that osteoporosis among Saudis increases with age, so health workers should emphasize the important role of daily excises and medical advice to avoid osteoporosis despite age.
As for periodical osteoporosis checkups, Dr. Badr Al-Qahtani,-Orthopedic Department, stressed its importance for those who are above 40 and those who suffer from hyperthyroidism or kidney failure or those who don’t consume sufficient quantities of dairy products. It is especially vital for those who suffer from bone, back or neck pains as they are major indicators of having osteoporosis.
Maysoon Khaleel, a Clinical Dietician, recommended improving diet habits to combat osteoporosis and stressed the importance of children consuming sufficient quantities of dairy products at an early age. Furthermore, to maintain general health and bone mass she recommended eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, getting enough sunlight and avoiding soft drinks.