The Burdens of Osteoporosis in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia

Posted on Oct. 11, 2010, 6 a.m. in Demographics | Longevity | Osteoporosis |

A report by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) shows alarming projections and reveals the poor state of post-fracture care in the Russian Federation and many other countries in the region. Osteoporosis, a disease of the bone which leaves people at increased risk of fracture, is most common in the older population. Yet, despite the major public health burden of osteoporosis-related fractures, the IOF submits that the disease suffers from severe under recognition. While low levels of calcium and vitamin D intake impact negatively on bone health, the IOF report observes that the average daily calcium intake in nearly all countries outlined in the report falls far below the FAO/WHO recommendations. In addition, the majority of populations in the region suffer from severe vitamin D insufficiency. Although older people who sustain a hip fracture are at increased risk of death and suffer long term disability throughout the world, the report indicates that this problem is far more severe in the Russia Federation and in many other countries of the region. There is high mortality rate after a hip fracture, reaching up to 45-52% during the first year after fracture in some Russian cities. IOF Chief Operating Officer Judy Stenmark states that: "Wider and more equitable access to diagnostic tests and appropriate medication are required to stem the growing tide of fractures in the region."

Continue reading…

International Osteoporosis Foundation.  “Eastern European & Central Asian Regional Audit – Epidemiology, Costs & Burden of Osteoporosis in 2010.” November 2010.

  

Health Headlines MORE »

The high acidity levels in sports and energy drinks erode tooth enamel.
Levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) fell by 26% among subjects who received supplementation with resveratrol-rich grape extract for one year.
Rich in antioxidants, blueberries and strawberries may delay memory decline in older women by 2.5 years.
Teens who consumed 35 grams of protein at breakfast reported greater feelings of fullness and showed improved hormone responses.
Eating pistachios may positively impact bacterial profile of the digestive tract.
Consumption of sodium in excess of 1500 mg per day progressively raises stroke risk.
Older women who lifted weights demonstrated significant improvements in memory tasks after 6 months.
Complementary & Alternative Medical (CAM) therapies as an adjunct to conventional medical care improves outcome measures.
People with higher intakes of Vitamin D may be at a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease.
Anew stem cell in the adult brain is capable of proliferation and forming into several different cell types.

ANTI-AGING TIP OF THE DAY

273. Tastefully Tantalizing
A number of previous studies have shown that foods rich in antioxidants serve an essential role in preventing cardiovascular diseases, cancers, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and disorders relating to inflammation. In that herbs and spices are excellent sources of antioxidants, researchers from The University of Western Ontario (Canada), and colleagues report that marinating meats and vegetables in preparations that include...