To mark its 21st anniversary of pioneering bone health in Australia today (Thursday, October 13), Healthy Bones Australia has announced its strategic partnership with a local company to develop a breakthrough diagnostic fracture prediction tool.
Given the rising prevalence of osteoporosis in Australia, the pilot study involving this new diagnostic tool could herald ground-breaking results in the early detection of osteoporosis. Research reveals more than 4.74 million Australians over 50 years of age (approximately two-thirds of those aged 50+) are living with poor bone health.
According to University of Melbourne Professor, and Medical Director of CurveBeam AI, Ego Seeman. Melbourne, “This new diagnostic tool provides a new direction for identifying women at risk of breaking a bone in the next year or two, by measuring their bone structure. This early detection will help doctors to treat before a fracture occurs.”
Retired business consultant, Carole, 68, Glenning Valley, Central Coast NSW, was diagnosed with osteopenia (low bone density) just after her 50th birthday.
The news came as a huge shock to Carole, who had long subscribed to a healthy diet and exercise.
Carole has since sustained multiple bone fractures, including excruciating fractures in her lower spine, resulting in a loss of nine centimetres in height, and has difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time.
“My doctor had been nagging me for a while to undergo a bone mineral density test.
“So when I celebrated my 50th birthday in 2004, I finally agreed to have the test to mark this significant milestone in my life,” said Carole.
To her complete surprise however, the results revealed Carole was living with osteopenia in both her spine and her hips.
“I was shocked to receive the results because I’ve always maintained such a healthy, active life. For years I’ve attended the gym, eaten well and worked hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Now aged 68, Carole visits her osteoporosis specialist regularly for ongoing monitoring and treatment. She has now lost a total of nine centimetres in height due to sustaining multiple spinal fractures.
Avid photographer and social media content creator, Kimberley, 42, Brisbane, was only 31 years of age when she was diagnosed with pregnancy-related osteoporosis – a rare condition during which a woman’s bones break easily during pregnancy, or in the weeks post- birth.
Three months after giving birth to her second child, Kimberley woke up one morning with excruciating back pain. Over the ensuing four months, she tried to maintain her daily life as best she could, despite contending with serious pain. During this period, she visited two doctors, both of whom attributed her pain to muscle pain associated with giving birth.
“Like many other Australians, I mistakenly thought osteoporosis was a disease of older people,”
said Kimberley.
Kimberley’s son, Aidan, was only two years of age at the time, while her daughter, Addison, was only 12 weeks old when she first developed excruciating back pain. Her pain was so severe, that she was unable to hold her newborn.
Today, Kimberly is still battling her pain and is a strong advocate for Healthy Bones Australia.
To learn more about Healthy Bones Australia, head to healthybonesaustralia.org.au, or for help and support, call 1800 242 141.