Bone health and falls prevention strategy

Published 15 Aug 2010 09:30

NHS Ayrshire & Arran is developing a strategy to set out our future aims for improving the health of people’s bones and how we can help prevent the risk of falls.

We want to know what you think should be in this strategy.

Strong bones are essential for long-term health and well-being. They begin to develop before birth and continue during childhood and adolescence, reaching their peak strength by about thirty years of age. After this, bones can lose strength because we may not make bone as fast as we lose it: meaning they can become fragile. In some cases this can lead to a condition known as osteoporosis. Osteoporotic bone is more likely to fracture or break.

The health of your bones is affected by a combination of factors such as diet and activity. Taking care of your bones when you are young will help prevent problems in the future. Keeping active is also essential for long term health and well-being. This builds strong muscles and flexible joints as well as good balance and endurance.

Grace Moore MBE, Assistant Director of Public Health, said: “Falling is not an inevitable result of ageing but the risk increases as people get older. Falling and the fear of falling can make people lose confidence in carrying out their normal activities. And although most falls do not cause serious injury a fall can cause a broken bone from which it may be difficult to recover.

“Tell us what you expect and what you would like as part of your health service’s aim to improve bone health. We are particularly keen to find out how you think we can help prevent the risk of falls.”

Please contact Mhairi McMillan by Friday 10 September 2010 by writing to:

Mhairi McMillan, Project Co-ordinator, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Public Health Department, Health Promotion Team, Afton House, Ailsa Hospital Campus

AYR, KA6 6AB or Email - mcmillanmh@aapct.scot.nhs.uk

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