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Tawam Hospital announced today that its osteoporosis support group will organise a symposium for osteoporosis patients, their families and orthopaedic professionals at the hospital on May 16, 2013. Themed ‘Save Your Bones,’ the symposium will feature presentations by Tawam orthopaedic surgeons and practitioners and present a leading-edge understanding of the condition. They will offer support and information that will empower osteoporosis patients to prevent the progress of their condition.
Osteoporosis affects more than 200 million women across the world each year and its only cure is prevention. Often referred to as the ‘silent disease,’ osteoporosis sufferers are often not aware they have the condition until it is too late. Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and brittle and are prone to breaking easily. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), there is an increasing incidence of osteoporosis in the UAE linked to inadequate nutritional intake of Vitamin D and Calcium and to inadequate exposure to sunlight. Though women are more at risk of developing osteoporosis than men, its incidence is also growing rapidly in men over 55.
Dr. Basil Alarabid Division Chief of Surgery Orthopedic at Tawam Hospital and the driving force of the Tawam Osteoporosis Support Group, said: “The importance of maintaining healthy bones, especially among women in the UAE, cannot be overstated as incidence of osteoporosis here is growing rapidly. Early warning signs of osteoporosis include sloping shoulders, back pain, and loss in height. We have seen that in the UAE, bones can begin to deteriorate even before the age of 30. We recommend that women over 50 and men over 55 undergo bone scans that aid in prevention, which is the only cure.
‘For patients, we recommend that they diligently follow their medication plan as the development of their condition can be arrested if not completely cured. This is the message we are driving home with our seminar.”
At the symposium, Tawam Osteoporosis Support Group will use tools such as group teaching, presentations and discussions with patients and orthopaedic professionals to facilitate an understanding of the condition, enhance medication compliance, and share experiences.
Located in its polyclinic building, the Tawam Orthopaedic Clinic is designed to meet the needs of the UAE community and is committed to excellence and high quality services.
Tawam Hospital is part of the SEHA Health System and is owned and operated by SEHA, which is responsible for the curative activities of all the public hospitals and clinics in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
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