Talk on osteoporosis

The NCW's health committee organised an informative and interesting talk on osteoporosis given by NCW member Doreen Micallef, B.Sc., MLS, AIMLS, on May 6.

Ms Micallef explained that osteoporosis (the reduction in bone density) is a condition in which the bones suffer demineralisation together with loss of fibrous tissue components - a condition that affects both men and women, although in women it can be more acute. She also spoke about a number of symptoms.

Ms Micallef spoke about the services that provide investigation methods currently available free of charge in St Luke's Hospital and others provided by private hospitals against payment. She emphasised that much can be done at an early age to reduce the loss of bone density. This event was very well attended and the discussion addressed many of the concerns of the members and friends present.

NCW believes that both men and women should be made more aware of osteoporosis as early as possible. The Health Promotion Unit can provide educate persons of all ages on the matter. There is also the need for a more accessible way of testing for bone density - waiting lists for free services at St Luke's are very long.

Finally, we need to ensure that the new hospital will provide more facilities to complement what the state hospital is currently providing. For more information visit Website: www.nos.org.uk or http://www.nof.org.