Sport stars promote osteoporosis prevention at report launch

The ‘Know Your Bones’ Community Risk Report was launched on October 18 2018 at an event at Parliament House Canberra, by the Minister for Health, The Hon Greg Hunt MP, and the Minister for Senior Australian and Aged care, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP.

Special national ambassadors for World Osteoporosis Day, Olympic Gold Medallist Sally Pearson OAM and Former Australian Cricket Captain Michael Clarke, attended the event and encouraged Australians to be aware of their bone health.

Sally Pearson OAM said, “With my own personal history of bone fractures I understand it is very important to look after your bones. I’d encourage more Australians to use the Know Your Bones online self-assessment tool.”

Michael Clarke said, “Looking after you bones is important for young people as well as men and women to reduce the risk of osteoporosis which can lead to broken bones.”

During the event, Minister Hunt said, "It's about early action and early diagnosis. This report is a critical resource. We are pleased to announce support for a National Osteoporosis Strategic Plan."

The Know Your Bones Community Risk Report was produced by Osteoporosis Australia based on data from over 40,000 people completing the Know Your Bones online self-assessment tool. The Know Your Bones tool was developed in partnership with the Garvan Institute of Medical research. The report highlights not enough Australians are being investigated and treated for osteoporosis.

Greg Lyubomirsky, CEO Osteoporosis Australia says, “We cannot allow so many Australians to be affected by broken bones we must take action to prevent fractures. The report released today demonstrates there is a gap in osteoporosis care.”

Professor John Eisman AO from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research said, “Know Your Bones is based on key findings from Garvan’s long running study of osteoporosis in Australia. Research over many years has given us a clearer picture of what we need to focus on in terms of individual risk of osteoporosis and related fracture.”

Know Your Bones Community Risk Report – Key Findings

• Over 40,000 self-assessments completed

• Only half of people reporting a fracture are reported to have had a bone density test

• Vast majority (84%) reporting a previous fracture are also reporting not being on treatment

• Over one third have a clinical risk factor and over 95% have a lifestyle risk factor for osteoporosis

The Shadow Minister for Ageing, the Hon Julie Collins attending the report launch.

Today’s events in Parliament are in the lead up to World Osteoporosis Day on Saturday, 20 October 2018.

Know Your Bones Community Risk Report

Know Your Bones Self-assessment

Media release