A group which is hoping to promote the risk of osteoporosis is holding an information stand in Priory Meadow later this month.
The Rother and Weald National Osteoporosis Group will be in the town centre shopping centre on Saturday November 29, together with consultants from the Conquest Hospital, nurses from the Rheumatology Department and advisers from the Apollo Medical C
entre in Eastbourne.
They will all be on hand to answer any questions about the condition, which can result in brittle bones.
Although there is no cure for Osteoporosis, doctors can prescribe treatment aimed at strengthening existing bone to help prevent further bone loss and fractures.
Early diagnosis of the condition is essential to combat the progression of the disease.
For further information about this event, or the group's meetings, please contact Jean Loukas on 01424 715472.
Are you at risk?
- Women are more at risk of developing osteoporosis than men. They have smaller bones which are less dense and they also experience the menopause, which greatly accelerates bone loss.
- Younger women can similarly be at risk, if they have low circulating levels of oestrogen.
- Osteoporosis in men is often the result of another health problem or low levels of the male hormone, testosterone.
- Other factors that need to be taken into account for both women and men are: family history, heavy drinking, smoking, low body weight, long-term immobility and long-term use of corticosteroid tablets (for conditions such as asthma).