Srinagar, Oct 20: The Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, Director, Prof Showkat Ali Zargar today said the osteoporosis was a silent disease and their was a dire need to create awareness about it.
 “We should hold awareness programmes in all the educational institutions to inform people, especially children about the disease,” Prof Showkat Ali Zargar said while addressing a Continued Medical Education and awareness programme in the Institute, organised by the Department of Endocrinology, SKIMS in connection with the World Osteoporosis Day.
 According to the organizing secretary of the programme and Department of Endocrinology Additional Professor, Dr. Shariq Masoodi, the event was organised to inform and educate the general public about the prevention of the disease.
 “Osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens bones making people more susceptible to fractures. Today more than 200 million people have Osteoporosis in Europe, USA, Japan and India alone. The biggest risk factor for developing Osteoporosis is being a female. About 80 per cent of sufferers of this disease are women because of decrease in Estrogen that occurs as part of menopause. Some medical conditions like anorexia, hyperthyroidism and Rheumatoid arthritis often create or aggravate risk of Osteoporosis,” Dr Shariq Masoodi and Additional Professor Endocrinology, Dr Bashir Ahmad Laway said while addressing the gathering.
 They said, in addition to smoking, a diet less in calcium or vitamin D and lack of exercise increase Osteoporosis risk.
 “In a study conducted by the Department of Endocrinology SKIMS, 83 per cent of the subjects studied had vitamin D deficiency,” the medicos added.
 Dean of the Faculty Dr. M Ashraf Darzi highlighted the importance of conducting such CME while Associate Professor Community Medicine, Dr Abdul Majid Ganai discussed AASH awareness programme.
 Additional Professor Endocrinology, Dr Bashir Ahmad Laway spoke on diagnosis and management of Osteoporosis. "Osteoporosis can be scary, but becoming aware of personal risk factors and getting diagnosed in early stages of the disease will help in making healthy life choices a must" said Dr. Shariq Masoodi.
 The programme was by attended by a large number of delegates including the faculties and Resident staff of SKIMS Soura, SKIMS Medical College Bemina, and Government Medical College Srinagar, senior doctors from the Valley, doctors from the peripheral healthcare facilities, Faculty & students from College of Nursing SKIMS, Paramedics, Faculty and students of Kashmir University and its affiliated colleges, Media fraternity and members of the civil society.
 A 12 minute documentary on Osteoporosis by Dr Shariq Masoodi was also screened on the occasion and a quiz programme was also held.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 IST