Cappagh is backing bone health campaign

A NEW campaign by Cappagh Hospital Foundation in Finglas and the National Dairy Council is aiming to educate consumers on the importance of bone health.

The Mind Your Bones campaign covers the area of bone health and common musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoporosis. The launch of the campaign comes ahead of World Osteoporosis Day on October 20.

The most common bone condition in Ireland is osteoporosis, with approximately 300,000 people over 50 estimated to have the condition.

However, it is often referred to as a silent disease as it can go unnoticed, without symptoms, until a fracture occurs. In fact, only about 15 percent of people with osteoporosis get diagnosed. 

“As a GP, we constantly look out for high risk patients or signs and symptoms to identify the condition,” said Dr Sinead Beirne.

“If osteoporosis is suspected, we then refer the patient for a DXA scan to test their bone density. Our bone health and strength are determined to a large extent by factors outside of our control such as genetics, gender and age.

“However, there are factors that we can control such as our diet and physical activity and these are particularly important during childhood and adolescence, when bones are still developing.

“A balanced diet that provides ‘bone-friendly’ nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, protein, vitamin D, zinc and magnesium is important.”

To coincide with the campaign, there is a comprehensive website (www.mindyourbones.ie) which includes useful information on bones and the musculoskeletal system; details on other common bone conditions such as Arthritis, Scoliosis and Sarcopenia; and a section on dispelling the myths associated with these conditions.

It also includes tips and advice from the expert surgeons at Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital in Finglas.

Also supporting the campaign is social media influencer and personal trainer, Nathalie Lennon (24), who was diagnosed with very early stage osteoporosis. 

“Our internal organ functioning, micro nutrient absorption, muscle strength and bone health are too often forgotten about in the race for a six pack,” she said. “I made all these mistakes. I over-trained and overworked. I forgot to ensure I included all food groups in my diet. I forgot dairy was important

“I forgot to think about my calcium intake. If I had not visited a dietician, I never would have known the damage I was doing to my bones.In just a few years, I could have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. What kind of fitness and health advocate was I? My bone density fell to a lower than average point for my age, a scary realisation.”