Govt declares osteoporosis month

JAKARTA: The government has decided to dedicate the period between Sept. 20 and Oct. 20 to people with osteoporosis, a government official said on Monday.

"During the period, the government will disseminate more information on the threat of osteoporosis in order to increase people's awareness of the silent disease," director of basic medical and orthodontic services at the Ministry of Health, Guntur Bambang Hamurnowo, said.

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, leading to enhanced bone fragility and a consequent increase in fracture risk. The majority of people who get osteoporosis are elderly women, whose bodies produce less of the hormone estrogen after menopause.

However, routine exercise, a balanced diet with enough intake of calcium, refraining from smoking and drinking alcohol and caffeine could help a person reach the maximum mass of bones, thus avoiding osteoporosis. --JP