Seminar on osteoporosis

The NCW. Health Committee together with the Malta Osteoporosis Society organised a seminar on June 20 at the Catholic Institute, Floriana. The aim was to give concrete, updated information on osteoporosis.

Although a lot of information is available on the Internet, not all is valid or controlled. Keynote speaker Raymond Galea explained the different phases of osteoporosis. Up to about 35 years of age, normally one does not suffer from osteoporosis; it is after that time that one starts slowly losing bone density, especially in women when they reach their menopause.

That change is more accentuated later on in life. It is important that when children are young they have the best state of bone condition so that when the bone mass starts decreasing it will not be in danger due to this disease. Dr Galea also spoke on lifestyle, which can increase the negative effects of osteoporosis, including poor nutrition, smoking, a sedentary life and certain medical conditions. He also explained the different types of treatment for the condition.

NCW president Doreen Micallef thanked Dr Galea and the Malta Osteoporosis Society, who collaborated with NCW to make the seminar possible. Susan Mulvaney, on behalf of the Osteoporosis Society, thanked all the participants and said she hoped that there would be more occasions to share information for the benefit of everyone.

The seminar was sponsored by Ms Drago, representative of Sanovi Aventis. A full report may be viewed in the latest issue of Il-Mara.