Osteoporosis United Arab Emirates UAE

XPress Dubai
Published: October 14, 2008, 16:28
Health watch: Say 'yes' to sunshine
By Kamakshi Gupta, Staff Reporter
Women in the UAE are prone to osteoporosis, experts said. "Approximately 80 per cent of post-menopausal women suffer from Vitamin D deficiency and this number is on the rise," said Dr Humeira Badsha, Specialist Rheumatologist, Dubai Bone and Joint Centre. “This is an alarming figure, and one of the reasons is lack of awareness. In fact, the problem has reached epidemic proportions in the UAE,” added Dr Salman Hameed, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Prime Medical Centre, ahead of the World Osteoporosis Day on October 20. He said the number of expatriates with low bone density is also significant, and that genetically Arabs and Asians are exposed to a higher risk of osteoporosis, a condition of reduced bone density that may lead to fractures. Factors like poor calcium intake and lack of vitamin D can also lead to the condition, he added. “When there is insufficient calcium in the blood, the body is forced to release calcium from the bones. This depletes the bone density and makes it weak.” Dr Hameed said weak bones can lead to fractures -- mainly of hips, spine and wrist. Fractures cause hospitalisation, immobility and in some cases, mortality. “People are unaware that Vitamin D is needed for the calcium to be absorbed in the body. Vitamin D is present in our skin and gets activated when the skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.” In a country with plenty of sunshine, high prevalence of osteoporosis due to lack of exposure to sunlight is ironical. Dr Hameed said exposure to sunlight - an optimum source of vitamin D - and sufficient calcium intake - either through foods rich in calcium or supplements - can reduce the number of osteoporotic patients in the country. “Diet plays an important role.” Excessive alcohol, smoking and poor lifestyle habits can lead to loss of bone mass in the long run, he said. “Excessive consumption of carbonated drinks can dissolve the calcium in the bones.”
Dr Hameed said people above 50 should get their bone density checked. “If the problem is detected early, we can prevent fractures and complications of osteoporosis. Early intervention is the key.” Fast tips