The Uttaranchal Orthopaedic Association announced the start of weeklong activities from August 1 to 7 on the occasion of National Bone and Joint Day to be observed on August 4. The association will be conducting various programmes pertaining for bone health.
Also, the members of Indian Orthopaedic Association in various hospitals across the country will be conducting bone health programmes along with free surgeries for the needy during this week.
Free bone mineral density test, health education programmes for general public and students along with rallies highlighting healthy aging with strong bones will be held during the week. Dehradun Orthopaedic Society president Dr RB Kalia said that more than 75 per cent of health expenditure in people above 70 years is for orthopaedic disorders. According to WHO, osteoporosis (weak bones) is a silent killer which can lead to fragility of bones resulting in fractures. Uttaranchal Orthopaedic Association secretary Dr Hemanshu Kochhar added that main reasons for weak bones are unhealthy lifestyle, less physical activity, smoking, excess alcohol, lack of adequate calcium intake and diseases like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, epilepsy. Immediate past president of UOA, Dr Vimal Nautiyal stressed on the need to take adequate amount of calcium in diet, checking vitamin D levels, physical activities in daily routine and keeping away from smoking and alcohol.