Departments of Rheumatology on both sides of the Solent and the National Osteoporosis Society have joined forces to raise awareness of bone health education and osteoporosis prevention.
By working together, The Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust hope the ‘Stop at One’ campaign can help make a difference to prevent fractures associated to osteoporosis.
The ‘Love your Bones’ tour bus visited St Mary’s Hospital yesterday (Thursday) giving Islanders the chance to meet health care professionals who provided information about bone health and osteoporosis.
Colin Beevor, Matron at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust said:
“Collaboration with the Isle of Wight Rheumatology Department is a great way of raising awareness of bone health and osteoporosis issues. We believe collaboration is the right step where it can lead to significant awareness for men and women over the age of 50 who may have had a low trauma “Fragility” fracture and who may be at risk of a second fracture associated to Osteoporosis.
“If you’ve broken a bone and are over 50, osteoporosis is a condition that you need to check for. Ignoring the warning signs, such as a wrist fracture or a broken bone from a minor bump or a fall from standing height, puts you at risk of further painful fractures that can dramatically reduce your independence. Acting now can make a huge difference to your future lifestyle and happiness.”
Dr Mark Pugh, Consultant Rheumatologist at St Mary’s said:
“We are delighted to welcome the ‘Love Your Bones’ tour bus to the Isle of Wight NHS Trust.
Article continues below this advertisement “Osteoporosis remains an inconsistently recognised and treated condition, with potentially awful consequences for the person who has it. Anything that raises the awareness of this condition is to be welcomed.
“There is a lot people can do to improve their bone health, some people need treatment which their GP can help them with and for those patients who need further specialist management we have a service based here at the trust to help investigate and offer treatment advice. I look forward to meeting up with the team!”
