Did you know that October 20 was World Osteoporosis Day?
The day marks a year-long campaign dedicated to raising global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease.
Yesterday was the World Osteoporosis Day.
The Department of Health’s website states that this year’s campaign theme is “Love Your Bones”. It reminds everyone to take three essential steps towards osteoporosis prevention:
• Do daily weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises
• Ensure you are getting enough vitamin D
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of calcium-rich foods.
Read: Ways to prevent Osteoporosis-the silent epidemic
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and recent research, the body needs at least 1 000 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day for good health – depending on age, weight and growth.
In general, babies (especially mothers who are breastfeeding) and small children should intake at least 400 IU of vitamin D daily. Children over the age of five, adolescents, and adults should get a minimum of 1 000 IU of vitamin D each day.
