QEH2 to hold Osteoporosis Awareness Week 2018
KOTA KINABALU: Osteoporosis is a disease that has significant morbidity and mortality yet is often overlooked.
International statistics show that patients who suffer from osteoporotic hip fractures have a 25 per cent mortality, while those who suffer from an osteoporotic spine fracture have a 20 per cent risk of developing another spike fracture in the following year.
From October 15 to 20, the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital 2 (QEH2) is holding the Osteoporosis Awareness Week 2018, a yearly event held in conjunction with World Osteoporosis Day.
The event is held in collaboration with the State Health Department, QEH 2, Sabah Functional Athletics Society and QEH 2 Sports Club.
The focus of the event this year is on functional fitness and the vital role it plays in the prevention and management of osteoporosis.
QEH 2 director Dr Haji Razak bin Tambi said the event aimed to create and increase awareness among the healthcare professionals and the public about osteoporosis and preventive measures.
He said people above the age of 45 were at risk of osteoporosis, especially women who had reached menopause.
According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, the bone disease affects one in every three women and one in every five men above 50 years old.
In the first year following hip fractures, 33 per cent of osteoporosis patients end up dependent or in nursing home, while the mortality rate was up to 24 per cent.
Dr Razak said bed-ridden osteoporosis patients, who suffered from hip or spine fractures, were at risk of other complications that might be fatal.
“Hence, early prevention is vital to reduce the risk of osteoporosis,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.
On World Spine Day on October 16, a series of talks and exhibitions will be held regarding the importance of spine health and how to take good care of our backs. Yoga or Pilates sessions will also be conducted during the day.
Meanwhile, the opening ceremony to be officiated by the State Health director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi will take place on October 18 at the hospital, followed by a series of talks for healthcare staff by the orthopaedics, endocrinology, rehabilitation and geriatrics departments, ending with a short talk on functional fitness.
The main highlight of the week is a functional fitness course and challenge, open to the public and hospital staff. Topics covered during the course will be a basic introduction to functional fitness and its benefits. Classroom and practical sessions on the basic functional movements will also be conducted. The challenge is divided into three age groups to facilitate workout structuring and will see a total of RM 2,000 in prize money and medals being given out.
A variety of vendors will also be setting up booths at the main lobby of the hospital, comprising physiotherapy, rehabilitation, fitness centres, milk and health products. Health screenings and a blood donation drive will also be conducted throughout the week.
Daily coach-supervised workouts will be held at 4pm for the general public to join.
For more information on the programme, visit qeh2.moh.gov. my/OAW2018.
Also present was the programme director Dr Timothy Cheng.