National Magazine of Osteoporosis Australia LATEST NEWS PREVENTION AND TREATMENT HELPFUL TIPS
New Osteoporosis Guidelines POSITION STATEMENT
Australian position statement on exercise RESEARCH
New sarcopenia society RECIPE CORNER
Delicious dinner receipe
Autumn 2017
Welcome Welcome to the latest edition Osteoblast. As always, please feel free to share this with your family and friends. In this edition we highlight some outcomes of new research including the release of Osteoporosis Guidelines and a position statement on exercise for osteoporosis. We also feature a story on the Melbourne Osteoporosis Support Group who are reaching a significant milestone. A mouthwatering dinner recipe will have you running to the stores, and a we have a word from our patron Helen Dalley Please remember, if you need information or advice, we have a toll free number for you to call – 1800 242 141. And you can always email us at admin@osteoporosis.org.au
Greg Lyubomirsky CEO
New Osteoporosis Guidelines In March, Osteoporosis Australia in collaboration with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) released new clinical guidelines for GPs. Both Osteoporosis Australia and the RACGP are confident that the new guidelines will assist general practitioners to improve the bone health of Australian patients. The new guidelines were developed over 2 years by an expert medical committee and reviewed and endorsed by the RACGP. Advances over the past 6 years have been made in osteoporosis care including further evidence for medications and other health interventions were reviewed and 1
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included within the guidelines for GPs. It is estimated there will be over 160,000 fractures due to poor bone health in 2017. Osteoporosis Australia CEO, Greg Lyubomirsky said “once a patient has broken a bone from a minor incident there is no time to wait. The underlying cause of that break should be investigated urgently and the patient may require treatment to minimise the risk of the next fracture occuring. We encourage people with risk factors for osteoporosis to speak to their doctor because being pro-active can help prevent that first broken bone.”
“Once a patient has broken a bone from a minor incident there is no time to wait” The new guidelines for doctors contain a number of key highlights including; 42 evidence-based and consensus recommednations have been developed, clearer directions for osteoporosis testing, diagnosis and treatment and recommendations around the appropriate use of calcium and vitamin D. RACGP President, Dr Bastian Seidel said “about 4.47 million Australians over the age of 50 have osteoporosis or osteopenia and most of these patients will turn to their GP for support. This is why the new guidelines provide GPs with timely and much needed expert guidance to better detect, diagnose, and manage patients with osteoporosis. To find out more information head here.
What is Sarcopenia?
Exercise Position Statement Scientists have known for decades that exercise strengthens bone and helps prevent osteoporosis, but specific guidance of the type of exercise has been lacking. However, a major milestone has been achieved with the publication of new guidelines by Exercise and Sports Science Australia on exercise for bone health. Bones need to be ‘stressed’ in very specific ways in order to get stronger. There is now good quality evidence that weight bearing impact exercises, such as hopping and jumping, and progressive resistance training (PRT), such as lifting weights in the gym, are the most effective exercises for improving and preserving bone strength throughout life. To read more head to the OA website
Sarcopenia is a disease affecting muscle loss and strength that is commonly related to the ageing process. Sarcopenia also affects balance, walking and the ability to perform everyday tasks with ease. Scientists believe that muscle loss is an inevitable factor to ageing and researchers are looking at ways in which the ageing process can be slowed, specifically in relation to loss of muscle mass and strength. The Australian and New Zealand Society for Sarcopenia and Frailty Research was created in November 2016. Members of the society include Physicians, Allied Health Professionals and Researchers who aim to promote and foster research concerning sarcopenia and frailty. The new scientific society is headed by Professor Gustavo Duque who said ‘the society is an important step forward into the research and promotion of sarcopenia in Australia and New Zealand. We are looking forward to assisting research, developing awareness and disseminate information to the public.’
Information and Resources on Osteoporosis:
www.osteoporosis.org.au/resources
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had osteoporosis too, but to a lesser degree. Not long after, Beryl attended an Arthritis & Osteoporosis Victoria Osteoporosis Prevention and SelfManagement Course, along with other people diagnosed who were all in need of support. Unfortunately, there was none - so they decided to start their own group and that’s where the Melbourne Osteoporosis Support Group began.
Melbourne Support Group Celebrates Milestone Just over twenty years ago Beryl Logie had been diagnosed with Osteoporosis, was unsure and looking for support. Much to her surprise there was no support group around. This is where Beryl jumped in and started a movement that has lasted the past twenty years, with no sign of slowing down. Beryl’s mother was diagnosed with osteoporosis after suffering several painful fractures with her ending up on the fracture threshold. Due to the hereditary factor Beryl decided she should be checked out and have a bone density test (DEXA Scan) where she found out that she
“Don’t ignore your bone health. It is just as important as any other aspect of your health.” Over the past twenty years there has been some challenges for the support group but there has also been some incredible highlights. The most memorable moments Beryl recalls was in 2012 with meeting HRH Camilla, Duchess of Cornwell who is also the President of the National Osteoporosis Society in the UK. The Duchess and Beryl spoke at length about their mothers and the pain they endured with their osteoporosis and the subsequent feeling of helplessness. Another highlight for Beryl was when she was invited to speak at the Glasgow Osteoporosis Support Group 20th birthday meeting in 2006 when visiting the UK. It is the hope that these
Melbourne Osteoporosis Support Group meeting HRH Camilla, Duchess of Cornwell
Melbourne Osteoporosis Support Group in 1998
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memorable moments continue with the group continuing to help people manage their osteoporosis when the current committee are no longer in office, with other members passionate to continue in their footsteps. Beryl has an important piece of advice for people who may be at risk, “Don’t ignore your bone health. It is just as important as any other aspect of your health. It is your bones that support your body and carry it around. They need to be strong.” Professor Peter Ebeling who has enjoyed a long association with the group and proudly presented the Osteoporosis Australia Certificate of Recognition to Beryl Logie at the event (see picture on previous page). Professor Ebeling congratulated all members of the group for helping raise awareness and supporting people diagnosed with osteoporosis. The 20th birthday event would not have been complete without a special cake baked by one of the long standing members of the group (see below). Congratulations to Beryl and all group members over the last 20 years for reaching this significant milestone.
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Pregnancy and Osteoporosis Pregancy related osteoporosis is a rare condition where a woman’s bones break easily during or just after pregnancy. Breaks usually occur in the spine or the hip and whilst they can be painful and debilitating, the bones usually heal quickly and most women recover fully. During pregnancy the risk of developing osteoporosis is higher as both mother and baby require adequate calcium for their bones. It is also possible that pregnancy related osteoporosis is caused by some women already having low bone density. Pregnancy related osteoporosis is generally not diagnosed until after the baby has been born. This because osteoporosis generally doesn’t have any symptoms until a fracture occurs, and in pregnancy most fractures occur after birth. If you have any concerns about pregnancy related osteoporosis visit our website to view an informative fact sheet.
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Meet Kim Kim is a busy mother of two, who awoke 3 months after having her second child in excruciating back pain. She saw two doctors who diagnosed her pain as ‘muscle pain from breastfeeding.’ Eventually, she was hospitalised and given a bone density test which diagnosed her with pregnancy related osteoporosis. “I will always be fearful of fracturing again because the initial pain was so severe. The thought of going through that again is very upsetting. I can’t carry my kids or pick them up and cuddle them for fear of another fracture,” says Kim. She is now focusing on strengthening her and her kids bones by maintaining a nutritious diet, packed full of calcium, vitamin D and protein.
This delicious recipe will make for a fantastic mid-week dinner. It comes to us courtesy of our friends at The Dairy Kitchen, you can see their other recipes on their website.
Lemon and Paprika Yoghurt Baked Salmon with Sweet Potato Chips Ingredients 300g sweet potato, peeled 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/3 cup grated parmesan 2 x 150g salmon fillets 1 cup Greek-style yoghurt zest of 1 lemon 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley 1 bunch broccolini, steamed
Method 1. Cut sweet potatoes in chunky chips. Arrange in a single layer on a baking paper lined oven tray and drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 220°C for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, turn chips over and sprinkle with parmesan then make some space to fit the salmon on the tray. 2. Combine yoghurt, lemon, paprika and season to taste. Spoon half of the mix over the salmon and toss to coat. Reserve remaining half for dressing. Place salmon on the tray with chips. Reduce oven to 200°C and bake salmon and chips for a further 10 minutes or until salmon is cooked through. 3. Combine remaining yogurt dressing with parsley. Serve baked salmon with chips and remaining yogurt dressing and steamed greens.
Less than half of all Australian adults get their recommended daily intake of calcium. AUTUMN 2017
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Patron Profile - Helen Dalley I am delighted to be the patron of Osteoporosis Australia. Osteoporosis is very common and affects over 1 million Australians directly with a further 6.3 million at potential risk with low bone density. The major problem with osteoporosis and low bone density is the predominate risk of fractures. In fact over 160,000 fractures in 2017 alone! That has a BIG impact on a lot of families, workplaces and our healthcare system. These fractures typically require emergency assistance, surgery, hospitals stays, rehabilitation and community services (such as home care). These fractures are expensive particularly when you consider a 5-year and 10-year outlook (which we have done) you can see we need to take action.
PET AMBASSADOR
Jesse loves to relax in her bones t-shirt when she is at home! #LoveYourBones
I have heard many touching stories from osteoporosis patients and I can also understand this on a personal level as my mother suffered with osteoporosis for many years. I remain positive there will be change for those with osteoporosis - there is new research available all the time with hopeful results. We look to the future.
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