Launch of Bone Health Week

"The doctors at DBAJ frequently see advanced stages of various bone diseases, which we hope to prevent by public awareness campaigns and screening programs", said Dr. Humeira Badsha, specialist rheumatologist at DBAJ.

DBAJ, the leading center for musculoskeletal conditions in the UAE, and the Ministry of Health (MoH) also announced a joint collaboration to undertake a national screening programme for women at risk of Osteoporosis in the Emirates.

According to Dr. Mariam Matar, Assistant Undersecretary of Preventive Medicine in the Ministry of Health (MOH) for Public Health and Primary Health Care (PHC), "The collaboration of both the MoH and DBAJ shows our commitment to promoting increased awareness of musculoskeletal problems in the United Arab Emirates.'

DBAJ envisions the Bone Health Week awareness campaign to become an annual event in the UAE, with the purpose of positioning it as part of the Bone and Joint Decade initiative by the World Health Organization. This year's event will feature a Bone health open day for the general public on the 19th May at the Jumeriah Beach Hotel, with various activities such as free bone scanning for early diagnosis of osteoporosis, exercise tips, fitness training for athletes and beginners, diet and nutritional advice. Experts specializing in physiotherapy, osteopathy, acupuncture nutrition, and sports along with athletes will be gathered under one roof to provide talks, support and advice needed to raise the level of awareness. There will also be free Power Bhangra classes to get participants on the road to fitness.

In the UAE it is estimated that 70% of post menopausal woman have low bone mass. Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass, compromised bone strength, and an increase in the risk of fracture. Dr. Chris Whately, Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon, DBAJ, commented that 'Hip fractures result in 10% to 20% excess mortality within 1 year; additionally, one-third of patients with a hip fracture will fracture the opposite hip and up to 25% of patients may require long-term care.'

The free osteoporisi bone screening program for women in collaboration with the MOH will commence on May 24th at the Hor Al Anz Primary Health Medical Center in Deira.