Boogie for your bones

Tuesday 20 October 2009 has been designated World Osteoporosis Day by the International Osteoporosis Council. According to the Fitness Industry Association, as much as 50 per cent of women and 20 per cent of men aged over 50 will break a bone as a result of osteoporosis, although Merlin wonders whether these figures are not a little on the high side.

Many activities are planned for 20 October. Everyone seems to be jumping onto the osteoporosis bandwagon, except perhaps our own profession. At the time of writing (mid-September) there has been nothing in pharmacy’s professional organ about World Osteoporosis Day.

The Dairy Council, successor to the old Milk Marketing Board, is promoting the day and recommending that we consume three portions of dairy food items daily. Even politicians are getting involved. Liz Lynne, Liberal Democrat MEP for the West Midlands, is promoting the eating of fruit and vegetables as a contribution to the day.

One of the most interesting activities is the National Osteoporosis Society’s dance workout programme, called “Boogie for your bones”. The programme has been put together by the television dance judge Craig Revel Horwood in collaboration with the physician, author and broadcaster Miriam Stoppard. There is a range of dance steps, starting with the simple and building up to the salsa and the like.

A video, with suitable music, is available (see www.bones4life.org).

Perhaps pharmacists could persuade patients to dance around the pharmacy on 20 October, to help strengthen their bones and ward off osteoporosis. This would liven up what might otherwise be just another dreary day in the dispensary.