National Institute of Diabetes & Endocrinology Dow University of Health Sciences in collaboration with Novartis Pharma organized a Seminar on Osteoporosis at its Ojha Campus. The seminar was attended by a large number Orthopaedics surgeons, Family physician and senior faculty members of the University.
Chief Guests Prof. Ali Muhammad Ansari and Prof. Inayatullah Jokhio in their remarks said that Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease as there are usually no signs or symptoms until someone has a fracture. It is commonly associated with britte bones and is a significant public health problem affecting million around the world and about 13% of the population in Pakistan.
1 in every 3 women and 1 in every 5 men have Osteoporosis or will have osteoporosis related frature in her lifetime. 40% female have Osteoporosis. 55% of people over the age of 50% have or are at risk for Osteoporosis. He further said that in order to arrest the incidence of the disease, a mass public awareness campaign should be launched, both at the government and the private level. Many people are unable to control their Osteoporosis because they do not take their medication properly or regularly.
Prof. Masood Hameed Khan, Vice Chancellor-DUHS in his welcome address said that the best way to prevent and keep Osteoporosis away is through preventive measures. Osteoporosis is also called a silent thief.
Prof. Zaman Shaikh, Director National Institute of Diabetes & Endocrinology (NIDE) in his presentation gave a brief overview of facilities available at NIDE including expert consultation, computerized record keeping of all patients, screening for relatives and individuals at risk, diabetic educator, nurse to educate all patients and their relatives, basic lab facilities, E.C.G, diabetic foot clinic with trained chiropodist, Gestational diabetes clinic, and Men Health Clinic to treat patients with sexual dysfunctions.
He informed that at Eye Care Center in NIDE, there is facility for complete ophthalmic examination screening for diabetic retinopathy, Laser photo coagulation, Fundus Photography and Fundus Fluorescein angiography.
Endocrine diseases are thought to be rare in Pakistan, although this is not the case. However, there is need to raise the level of awareness both in lay men and in general physicians.
He said that common endocrine disorders include Thyroid Diseases, Short / Tall Stature, Brittle Bones (Osteoporosis), disturbance in Calcium Metabolism, Male and Female Infertility, Hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face of women),Gynecomastia (development of breasts in men), Ambiguous (doubtful)Genitalia, various Sexual Problems and Steroid Disorders .
He said that 2 year M.Sc program has been started at NIDE with 4 semesters. 3rd batch has just entered. He added that according to instructions of vice chancellor, this M.Sc program will be extended to MD in diabetes & endocrinology.
Regarding Osteoporosis, he said that, according to the statistics from International Osteoporosis Foundation, 30-50% of women and 15-30% of men are likely to suffer a fracture related to osteoporosis in their lifetime. The prevalence of Osteoporosis is high in Pakistan. A study conducted in Pakistan showed that 97% of women of aged 75–84 years and 55% of women aged 45–54 years were suffering from osteoporosis.
He informed that osteoporosis may be classified into two broad types, namely, post menopausal osteoporosis and age-related osteoporosis. Factors leading towards osteoporosis include smoking, use of alcohol, nutrition deficiency, improper diet; soft drinks and use of steroids for a long period.
Prof. Subhana Tayyab, Chairperson Deptt of Obs/Gynae, DUHS said that osteoporosis in our country was far more prevalent among women than among men because the male child was given far greater nutrition than his female counterpart whereas female children must be given a more nutritious diet because a girl has to become a mother and transfer the calcium in her body to the children.
She said that a girl child must be made to consume at least two glasses of milk daily as milk plays a pivotal role in strengthening the bones. Girls or women intake lots of greens, fish, milk, cheese, to make up for the shortage of calcium and vitamin-D in their bodies.
Dr. Munawar Hussain of Dow Daignostic Laboratory said that if a person got the right amount of calcium and vitamin-D from childhood, the incidence of the disease could be avoided. He told the participants that osteoporosis renders the bones so weak that they can break with the least of impact or even without it.
Osteoporosis can be prevented by proper intake of calcium with exposure to sun light in addition to bringing a positive change in lifestyle and doing regular exercises to strengthen our bones besides giving appropriate medication.
Others who spoke on the occasion includes Dr. Nabeela Sommro and Fawad Khalid of Novartis Pharma. The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Farah Naz Farooq and shield and certificate distribution amongst the speakers and participants.