STICKS and stones may break your bones but so can osteoporosis (brittle and fragile bones).
St George Hospital has begun a new screening service for osteoporosis to help people over the age of 50 who have a broken bone, as a result of a fall, or other minor trauma.
Brake the Break is a free service for bone-density mineral assessment, education and referral to falls-prevention and exercise programs.
It is run by South Eastern Sydney Medicare Local (SESML) in partnership with the South Eastern Local Health District.
Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose strength and density.
Most people do not realise they have osteoporosis until a fracture happens.
SESML program co-ordinator Lillias Nairn said participating in an osteoporosis service such as Brake the Break could halve the risk of having another fracture.
Brake the Break GP co-ordinator Dr Klaus Stelter said early screening for osteoporosis was the key to reducing the risk of fractures.
Referrals: Lillias Nairn, 0455 076 332, 9330 9939.
Details: sesml.org.au/brakethebreak.php
