Commemorating World Osteoporosis Day on October 20, a number of doctors and nutritionists in Indonesia reminded the importance of regular exercise to maintain bone density and the importance of a balanced intake to meet the nutrients needed by bones, such as calcium and vitamin D.
In Indonesia, the lack of public understanding about the importance of physical activity and a balanced diet is believed to be the cause of the increasing number of osteoporosis patients. According to the Data and Information Center of the Ministry of Health, 2 out of 5 Indonesians are estimated to be at risk of developing osteoporosis.
According to the Ministry of Health, in 2050, Indonesia’s population aged 50-70 years is expected to grow by 135 percent to 113 million. Men and women at this age are at the most risk of developing osteoporosis, and their number reaches 1/3 of the total population of Indonesia.
Osteoporosis needs to be watched out for because according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 50% of hip fractures can cause lifelong disability and increase mortality.
Many sufferers don’t realize their bones are getting thinner
Doctor Eka Mulyana, an orthopedic and traumatology specialist at the Subang Regional General Hospital, said that osteoporosis needs to be watched out for because this disease of decreasing bone mass density is known as a silent disease.
Osteoporosis is called a silent disease because the process of bone loss is not accompanied by symptoms, and therefore, the disease is usually not noticed by the sufferer. They will only realize when they feel pain after something happens, such as slipping, which can cause their bones to hit and then break. The thinner the bone mass, the more easily it breaks.
“Before it broke, there was no pain,” said dr. Eka to DW Indonesia. “So, the abnormality that occurs is not in the shape of the bone, but occurs in the architecture of the tissue in the bone.”
Meanwhile, doctor Michael Triangto, a sports medicine specialist at Mitra Kemayoran Hospital and Director of Slim & Health Center Jakarta, explained that bone loss occurs slowly over the years. During the process, there were no complaints or deformities. However, the bone suddenly cracks or breaks.
“Or if he survives fractures during his life, at an advanced age, he will feel pain all over his bones. Once examined, it was discovered that his bones were porous,” said dr. Michael to DW Indonesia.
Can’t be prevented, can be slowed down
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