The National Dairy Council (NDC) has joined forces with the experts at Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital to highlight the importance of bone health on World Osteoporosis Day, Sunday 20th October.
Did you know the most common bone condition in Ireland is osteoporosis, with approximately 300,000 people over 50 years 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% of people with osteoporosis get diagnosed. 37 million fragility fractures occur globally each year and pose an enormous human and health economic burden worldwide.
Both Cappagh Hospital and the National Dairy Council promote the benefits of good bone health, with dairy providing many of the key nutrients needed for musculoskeletal health.
Professor John O’Byrne, Orthopaedic surgeon at Cappagh explains that as we get older our body’s ability to adapt to the stress and strain of everyday activities can affect people to a varying degree. Factors such as birth deformities, age, lifestyle (e.g. smoking, alcohol, inactivity), as well as some medications can make us more susceptible to certain musculoskeletal conditions. The promotion of a balanced diet to support musculoskeletal health forms part of Cappagh Hospital’s broad healthcare remit.
Osteoporosis results from a progressive loss of bone tissue, which causes bones to become weak and brittle. One in two women and one in five men over 50 years will develop a fracture in their lifetime.
Senior Nutritionist at the National Dairy Council, Mary Harrington says
“Lifestyle factors such as diet, are a great place to start in taking some control to reduce fracture risk. A balanced diet which provides adequate nutrients, including calcium, protein, and phosphorus, are essential for musculoskeletal health and these are present in dairy foods such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Dairy is well recognised as a natural source of bioavailable calcium, which means that it is easy to absorb by the body. In addition, dairy foods contain a matrix of other nutrients which have important roles in health”
NDC and Cappagh hospital have a number of useful resources available to help manage the condition. The Mind your Bones website 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. Is also includes tips and advice from the expert surgeons at Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital.
There is also a booklet Bone, Muscle and Joint Health which covers common conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, the role of nutrition in bone, muscle and joint health and gives tips for preparation and recovery after orthopaedic surgery. The booklet is available to download here.
Coming from the experts in Orthopaedics in Ireland, the booklet also covers all you need to know to prepare yourself before and after surgery. It is vital that you do everything you can to be in the best of health going into surgery because this will aid your recovery afterwards. Key considerations that will help when preparing for surgery are a healthy diet and staying active.
Professor O’Byrne says
“Staying fit and active is encouraged before surgery to maintain function, avoid stiffness and loss of muscle and optimise recovery. Any gains in fitness, strength and muscle mass can make a difference in accelerating recovery after surgery. Being injured or having orthopaedic surgery can put additional demands on the body through wound healing, inflammation, and regeneration of new tissue. Good nutrition is vital to meet the body’s increased nutrient requirements at this time, to ensure an efficient return to healthy, active, and independent living.”
As part of this year’s campaign, Cappagh Hospital has launched a campaign called a Cuppa for Cappagh, encouraging workplaces across Ireland to hold a coffee morning to raise valuable funds for the hospital. For more information or to donate, visit Cuppa for Cappagh 2024.
The five top tips for a healthy musculoskeletal system
- Staying strong: Weight-bearing, resistance style exercises are particularly important for bone and muscle health – these include activities where your body must work against a force, such as gravity. Examples include skipping, running, tennis, dancing, brisk hill walking or simply climbing stairs.
- Stretching: Exercises such as stretching, Pilates or yoga can be particularly beneficial for posture and supple joints. Stronger core muscles (abdominals and back) improve balance, helping to prevent falls.
- A healthy body weight: Being either underweight or overweight can have a negative impact on musculoskeletal health. Being very thin or losing weight quickly can result in a low muscle mass. Alternatively, being overweight increases pressure on joints such as the knees, hips and back, thereby increasing the risk of pain and injury.
- Smoking and Alcohol: Refrain from smoking and if you consume alcohol, do so in moderation.
- Nutrition: A balanced diet which provides adequate nutrients, including calcium, protein, phosphorus, vitamin C and vitamin D, are essential for musculoskeletal health.
Footnote:
The Department of Health’s guidelines for healthy eating advise 3 servings from the ‘milk, yogurt and cheese’ food group each day for adults and those aged 5 years and up; with 5 servings recommended for 9-18-year-olds due to the importance of calcium during this life stage. Examples of a serving include a 200ml glass of milk, a 125g pot of yogurt or a 25g piece of cheese, such as cheddar.
For further information, please contact Cathy Curran, Communications Lead, NDC Tel: 086 8777 664 or email ccurran@ndc.ie.
