‘World Osteoporosis Day’ seminar: Balanced diet, exercise key to preventing osteoporosis: experts

LAHORE : Osteoporosis is the second major human health problem in the world after heart disease. 

The elasticity of bones decreases in this disease and they become prone to problems like swelling and softening. We should give importance to physical activities for strength of our bones. Calcium and vitamin D are important nutrients that help build strong bones.

These views were expressed by experts at the awareness seminar organised by Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society (MKRMS), and Nabi Qasim Industries on the occasion of ‘World Osteoporosis Day’.

The speakers included Prof Dr M Tariq Sohail, Prof Dr Faisal Masood, Prof M Hanif Mian, Dr Abubakr Siddique, Prof Dr Mazhar Iqbal Chaudhry, Prof Dr Qazi Saeed, Dr Shafqat Wasim, Dr Tariq Siddique and Dr Humayun Iftikhar. The host duties were performed by Wasif Nagi (Sitara Imtiaz), Chairman Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society (MKRMS), Jang Group of Newspapers.

Addressing the participants, Prof Dr Tariq Sohail said osteoporosis is a serious disease. “The elasticity of bones in this disease decreases. They become weak and risk of breaking down increases. The bone is a living tissue, being formed constantly and old parts are lost. This is a natural process”, he told participants. We have to protect ourselves from this disease, he emphasised.

Prof Dr Qazi Saeed, while speaking, said one should prepare himself/herself from childhood by consuming as much ingredients as milk and curd to prevent osteoporosis. In this way, he said the bones would remain strong.

“Between 30 to 40 years of age, the bones are in most abundant state. After that, they usually start to dissolve. Protect yourself and your loved ones from this disease by using a balanced diet”, he advised.

Dr Mazhar Iqbal Chaudhry said osteoporosis is a silent killer. “We need to take care of our children so that they reach their old age with no trouble,” he emphasised.

He asked the people not to ignore this disease. The test for osteoporosis has become very easy. With the help of DXA scan, one can get the test done at any clinic, he informed. “Consult a doctor and get treatment immediately if this disease is found. Stay away from carbonated drinks, he insisted.

Prof M Hanif Mian said having strong people is very important for a strong society. He said we should work on patients’ education until they take the disease seriously, as doctors cannot do much in this regard. “The disease takes a serious toll on elderly people due to lack of exercise and a balanced diet. People over 60 years should keep themselves active and do exercise”, he said.

Dr Shafqat Wasim said this disease is more common in women than men. In women, it occurs after 45 years of age, while in men after 50 years. “Consuming calcium-rich ingredients will be very useful in avoiding this disease. If we protect our bones today, we can live fully in the future”, he told audience.

Dr Tariq Siddique said cells called osteoclasts break down and new cells are formed to replace old ones. “In this way, the process of breaking and forming bones is maintained naturally in our body”, he informed.

Dr Tariq said sitting in the sunlight for 10 minutes every day is very useful against this disease. Vitamin D and calcium is important for our bones, he added.

Dr Abubakr Siddique said, “We should give importance to physical activities for strength of our bones. What robots will do better? First think of you as a human being, otherwise Artificial Intelligence will rule us in the future”.

He said people should do what they can with their own hands. “Avoid fast food and make your children eat foods rich in calcium and proteins”, he advised.

Wasif Nagi said a healthy life requires strong bones. Calcium and vitamin D are important nutrients that help build strong bones. —Eisha Asif