A FORDINGBRIDGE woman is hoping the launch of the UK’s first bone health risk checker will help increase awareness of osteoporosis.
Jan Westbury was diagnosed with low bone density in 2012 at the age of 55 after falling backwards and fracturing both her arms.
It was picked up when she was sent for a bone density scan by her GP, which showed low bone density in both her hips. Four years later she also had low bone density in my spine. But says there have been no further changes.
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to weaken and break more easily.
Jan takes calcium and vitamin D tablets twice a day for osteopenia (low bone density), which has meant she does not need drug treatment for osteoporosis.
But she admits the diagnosis did come as a shock: “I was shocked because I was so fit and healthy and never had anything wrong in my life and never been in hospital. Then suddenly there’s something not right with me. I’ve sort of got on really. Other than the fracture of my little toe, which was annoying, I haven’t had any other fractures.”
Since her diagnosis, she has heard stories about people discovering fractures in their spine to people getting fractures bending down to pick up grandchildren.
“I always think of myself as a mild case but it did have a huge impact on my life. My arms just weren’t right for two years. I really struggled with discomfort and aching.
“That is what people don’t realise if you’ve got low bone density the fracture will heal but it’s the pain a lot of people suffer afterwards,” added Jan, who has been working closely with the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) and in 2021 became a lead volunteer advocate to speak on behalf of others with the condition.
After fracturing her arms Jan says she experienced a “constant ache” for two years and even now does a lot of work in the gym to strengthen her arms but like many others she has had to think twice about doing activities that she used to love like skiing and even ice skating.
“People just get on with it really. But there are a lot of people out there who have osteoporosis or even worse undiagnosed,” she added. “The drug therapies are improving all the time and where you can’t reverse what’s happened you can support the strength of your bones through these drugs.”
“There does need to be more awareness of it,” admits Jan. “The problem is there is still this image that it’s an old person’s disease and that’s what happens. The guidelines clearly state that anyone over 50 that has a fracture that’s not a traumatic fracture should be considered and have a DEXA scan,”
The risk checker has been launched by ROS to coincide with World Osteoporosis Day (October 10).
It provides people with free, tailored advice about their osteoporosis risk and practical tips on how to take action on their bone health.
Welcoming the launch of the new risk checker, Jan said: “It’s great. It’s quick and easy and electronic.”
The key is about “educating people”, said Jan, and letting them know the ways they can improve bone health.
The launch of the risk checker has also been support by Her Majesty The Queen Consort.
In her former role as The Duchess of Cornwall, Her Majesty The Queen Consort has been ROS President for many years and an advocate for people living with osteoporosis.
For more information visit theros.org.uk/bone-health-check/
Jan is also part of a support group in Salisbury, which meets on the first Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will take place on November 2, at Stones Kitchen, Butcher Row, Salisbury, 3pm.
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