Islanders learn about osteoporosis support
MORE than 30 islanders attended a session with the Guernsey Osteoporosis Support Group to mark World Osteoporosis Day and receive evidence-based advice from a UK senior osteoporosis nurse.
The local support group’s monthly meeting was well-received from both existing and non-members, and included a talk and Q&A session by senior nurse Julia Thomson.
‘It was a great turn-out and we saw some new faces here today which is always great,’ said Linda Elliot, chairwoman of the group.
‘Osteoporosis affects more women than men, but it was great to see some men in the room as well.’
Joanne Houston attended the group session as her mother, who lives in Scotland, has the disease and she wanted to be able to provide her with more information and support.
‘It is an excellent, friendly atmosphere and I learnt lots from the session but it was also very interesting,’ she said.
‘Everyone was so welcoming and I will definitely be getting involved with the group again in future.’
Anita Carey was diagnosed with osteoporosis about six months ago. She was waiting on a knee operation, when a scan revealed she was suffering from two other fractures which she had acquired during a fall seven months prior to the examination.
‘I didn’t realise that there was an osteoporosis support group in the island until I was diagnosed and looking for information, and I was really shocked to learn that one in two women over the age of 50 have it,’ she said.
‘Since being diagnosed, I haven’t had to change my lifestyle too much, but I do take medication.’
Mrs Carey said that she had no pain unless she is injured, but has to ensure she is consuming enough calcium, eating healthily and doing exercise.
‘It’s not an unusual disease but if I hadn’t had an MRI scan for my knee then I would never have known I had it,’ she said.
The Guernsey Osteoporosis Support Group meets once a month and holds a variety of activities, as well as learning and support opportunities for its members.
In November the meeting is a relaxation session and there will be a Christmas meal in December.
n The Royal Osteoporosis Society has an online risk checker for those concerned about the disease to check out their risk factors, which can be found at theros.org.uk.
