MADURAI: Sedentary lifestyle, imbalance diet and increasing time spent on computers, TV and mobile phones are making our children and youth severely prone to osteoporosis (losing bone strength) which is till now considered as disease of elderly.
This was the caution given by joints conservation specialist doctors in Madurai in connection with World Osteoporosis Day observed on October 20th every year. It is a major cause for disability and morbidity among the elderly population and especially women above 40 years of age.
LACK OF VITAMIN D AND CALCIUM:
Dr.UT Vassan, Senior Consultant and HOD of Joints Conservation and Sports Injuries Centre of Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre (MMHRC) in Madurai, has said that osteoporosis is taking an alarming trend due to sedentary lifestyle, lack of Vitamin D and Calcium in the body.
“The incidence is rising and less exposure to Sunlight is also an important factor for this. Osteoporosis reduces the density of bones making our people fragile. So, fractures occur frequently to affected patients. This disease progresses silently and it is mostly symptomless,” Dr.UT.Vassan, said.
RISK FACTORS:
Expert doctors spoke about spine health and arthritis too besides the importance of tackling osteoporosis.
Dr.D.Naresh, Consultant, Joints Conservation and Dr.Vetri Nallathambi, Spine Surgeon-Orthopaedics and Traumatology, MMHRC, Madurai, have pointed out that 18 crore people in India are affected by arthritis. Knees are getting affected badly.
Increased obesity, lack of exercise, Vitamin D deficiency, poor nutrition, and diabetes are among the major risk factors that can worsen arthritis. They suggested preventive measures and cautioned that osteoporosis is no longer confined to the elderly.
Spine surgeon Dr.Vetri Nallathambi explained that back pain problem is rapidly increasing and youngsters are getting more affected.
“I urge people to be physically active and sitting postures too are very important. Children and youth must be aware of life-style related backaches and more awareness programmes are needed,” he observed.
