New guides to combating osteoporosis

Dr Maria Fiatarone Singh, geriatrician and Professor of Medicine and Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Sydney has written a series of exercise guides to help combat osteoporosis.

The Minister for Ageing, the Hon Justine Elliot, launched the guides to commemorate World Osteoporosis Day.

"The guides are designed to help people to prevent or treat osteoporosis, and for GPs to be better able to prescribe evidence-based exercise,' said Professor Fiatarone Singh.

At least 600,000 Australians are affected by osteoporosis, which causes bones to become weak and fragile. The disease increases the likelihood of fractures and leads to pain and immobility. While largely preventable, osteoporosis currently has a significant financial and social burden on sufferers, their families and the wider community.

"I believe these are some of the most evidence-based and user-friendly materials out there and could significantly contribute to a better understanding of the preventable nature of the disease," said Professor Singh.

Professor Singh sits on the Medical and Scientific Advisory Board of Osteoporosis Australia and has a long career history in research in osteoporosis and exercise dating back to 1990.

The exercise guides grew from a series of articles which she wrote for Medicine Today. These were later adapted and published by Osteoporosis Australia with an accompanying DVD. The resources will be available through Osteoporosis Australia.

(Source: Osteoporosis Australia: November 2008)