The Future of Osteoporosis: Is Your Workplace at Risk?

Osteoporosis is a disease of compromised bone strength that leads to bone fragility and risk of fracture.  Osteoporosis is associated with the loss of bone mass (density) and deterioration of bone tissue, which occurs very gradually – usually with no symptoms.  Osteoporosis often is not diagnosed until the individual experiences a fracture and at this point the disease has progressed. 

Osteoporotic fractures have a dramatically impact: the healthcare system financially, quality of life, and productivity.

The International Osteoporosis Foundation states that the annual direct costs of treating osteoporotic fractures of people in the workplace are estimated to be about $1.9 billion in Canada.

These costs include long-term, hospital and chronic care, doctor visits, physical therapy, orthopaedic supplies, and medications. 

Indirect costs to the employer include loss of income and loss of productivity. 

Costs to the country include a burden on the social welfare system, unemployment and disability pay, health insurance payments, and rises in insurance premiums.  

Statistics Canada states there is evidence that suggests that Canadians in their late forties and early fifties have pushed back their planned age of retirement.  Furthermore, there has been an increased participation rate of older workers in Canada. 

These increased participation rates suggest that in the future there will be more people with osteoporosis in the workplace.  As a result, this will have an enormous impact on both employers and employees. 

Vertebral fractures are a serious workplace problem than hip fractures.  Vertebral fractures are more likely to affect younger people, even before the age of 50.  Clinical symptoms of vertebral fractures include back pain,, limited spinal mobility, height loss, deformity, and disability.  

Studies have shown that the quality of life following vertebral fractures is reduced much more severely than with hip fractures. 

According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation by 2050, there could be a 150% increase in Canada for vertebral fractures for people. 

It is important to assess your risk of osteoporosis. 

Major risk factors include: low bone mineral density, prior fragility fracture after age 40, over age 65, or family history of osteoporotic fractures. 

Minor risk factors include: use of certain medications, being female, thin and/or having a small frame, estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause especially early of surgically induced, low lifetime calcium intake, high caffeine intake, vitamin D deficiency, inactive lifestyle, smoking (active or passive), or excessive use of alcohol (three or more drinks per day).  

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Posted by: suhujitha on 0000-00-00 00:00:00

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