Osteoporosis Project Improving Prevention, Treatment

Nova Scotia is making progress in its efforts to improve the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Since 2002, as part of the provincial osteoporosis project, education programs have been developed for health professionals, pilot projects have taken place in the long-term care sector involving calcium and vitamin D supplements, as well as falls prevention, and improvements have been made in bone densitometry capacity of the province.

"Nearly 60,000 Nova Scotians live with osteoporosis and often suffer fractures as a result of the disease," said Health Minister Angus MacIsaac. "That's why this government continues to support the professionals who are leading the way to prevent the disease and improve treatment of the disease."

In 2003, the Cape Breton District Health Authority and South West Health put new bone density machines in place. The Colchester East Hants Health Authority extended the hours of use of its machine. Guidelines for bone density tests were received and modified based on evidence from the Osteoporosis Society of Canada. They are now in place across the province.

Work has also begun in the long-term care sector to introduce calcium and vitamin D supplements to its residents.

"The frail elderly are at the highest risk of fracture, especially those who reside in nursing homes," said Dr. Janet Gordon, geriatrician, Capital Health. "In fact, 20 per cent of all hip fractures occur in nursing home residents. Studies have shown that residents who take calcium and vitamin D supplements can reduce their risk of fracture by almost half."

People with osteoporosis are more likely to suffer a fracture if they fall, which is why it is so important to prevent falls in these individuals. Falls are the most preventable risk to seniors' health, well-being, and independence. They are also the cause of 61 per cent of injury-related hospital stays for Nova Scotia seniors and cost the health-care system an estimated $160 million per year.

The Office of Health Promotion is taking steps to prevent falls by supporting Preventing Falls Together, a program of Community Links, and by bringing together government and non-government groups to ensure a co-ordinated approach in prevention programs. These initiatives will work to address the many hazards that can cause falls among seniors.

Education programs for family physicians, dietitians, pharmacists, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other health professionals have been rolled out across the province to help health professionals prevent, recognize, and treat osteoporosis.

Health professionals are stressing the importance of year-round awareness of this disease which affects so many Nova Scotians.

"The province has an important role to play in the prevention and management of osteoporosis. But so do individuals," said Dr. Diane Theriault, osteoporosis specialist. "Nova Scotians should ensure that they exercise regularly and have an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D. Of equal importance, all individuals 50 and over should visit their family physician to evaluate their risk factors for osteoporosis and see if they need bone density testing."

The project is expected to conclude in 2005 with the release of its final report. The 2003-04 interim report of the provincial osteoporosis project, is available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/health/reports.htm .