Plymouth Sutton MP Linda Gilroy today joined with the Real Facts of Life panel to raise awareness with the Ministers and the public about osteoporosis. 

“Osteoporosis is a very nasty condition and it affects both men and women in later life. I have worked in the past with both the national and local osteoporosis societies and when I received the request from the Real Facts of Life to help I was very happy to do so.

If you or anyone you know is a sufferer, or you have an interest in the subject, contact Linda Gilroy throughthis website, or at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA .

Alternatively, there is also a Plymouth and District Osteoporosis Support group, and they can be contacted on 01548 810648.

“As with many other health conditions the best way to avoid osteoporosis is to eat a balanced diet, rich in calcium and vitamin D, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking excessive alcohol and caffeine. If you are concerned there are treatments to help avoid fractures and your GP will be able to help with this.” 

• 3 million people in the UK suffer from osteoporosis.       
• 21 people die each year as a result of an osteoporotic hip fracture.     
• Up to 8,250 women over 50 will suffer a fractured bone.       
• Over £2,600,000 is spent by the NHS on treating osteoporosis in every constituency each year.         
• One person every day will suffer from a facture.       
• More NHS bed days a year for the over 60s are used to treat fractures than diabetes or heart failure.