World Osteoporosis Day, marked on October 20th each year, is a prime time to put the spotlight on osteoporosis. About Osteoporosis Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and fragile, so that they break easily – even as a result of a minor fall, a bump, a sneeze, or a sudden movement. Fractures caused by osteoporosis can be life-threatening and a major cause of pain and long-term disability. The 5 steps to healthy bones and a fracture-free future Exercise regularly - keep your bones and muscles moving. Weight-bearing, muscle-strengthening and balance-training exercises are best. Ensure your diet is rich in bone-healthy nutrients - Calcium, vitamin D and protein are the most important for bone health. Safe exposure to sunshine will help you get enough vitamin D. Avoid negative lifestyle habits. Maintain a healthy body weight, avoid smoking and excessive drinking. Find out whether you have risk factors. Bring these to your doctor’s attention, especially if you’ve had a previous fracture, have a family history of osteoporosis, or take specific medications that affect bone health Get tested and treated if needed. If you’re at high risk you will likely need medication and lifestyle changes to help protect yourself against fractures. Theme for 2025 "It’s Unacceptable!" puts the spotlight on the persistent and preventable crisis in osteoporosis care. Despite affecting over 500 million people worldwide, osteoporosis remains severely underdiagnosed and undertreated—especially among those who have already sustained fragility fractures. Shockingly, up to 80% of patients with osteoporotic fractures receive no follow-up diagnosis or treatment. The consequences are devastating: chronic pain, disability, loss of independence, increased risk of future fractures, and premature death. Families, healthcare systems, and economies also shoulder the heavy burden of this neglect. The campaign demands an end to the neglect in prevention and care, and urgent policy action. At a time when effective diagnostic tools, treatments, and programmes like Fracture Liaison Services exist, the continued inaction is indefensible. With aging populations and fracture rates rising, osteoporosis must be prioritized across all stages of life—from prevention in youth to post-fracture care. "It’s Unacceptable!" calls on the public, healthcare providers, and health authorities to close the treatment gap, dismantle misconceptions, and make bone health a global priority. Source : International Osteoporosis Foundation