The populations most affected are older adults, menopausal women who are non-Hispanic, white or Asian, as well as individuals with thin body frames ; it can also be inherited.

Women have suffered from osteoporosis since the dawn of time, usually as they enter menopause, or after the age of 60, while men usually only suffer after the age of 70. Not fair BUT there is hope !

Our first guest speaker, Ms Maria Georgiou, from the Cyprus Ministry of Health, gave us an idea of how this bone disorder can handicap and even deform us if it is not prevented from an early age. Most women have bone density tests nowadays and it can be seen if we are on the way to ‘osteopenia’, the beginning of the loss of bone density. This can be a warning. It is possible to enrich your diet by taking calcium and Vitamin D supplements (or sensible sunbathing !), doing exercises and eating healthily. This may then prevent us from developing osteoporosis.

It is no secret that children who have been raised with lots of exercise are more fortunate and if that exercising continues into adulthood, they have excellent chances of not undergoing substantial bone loss. Milk and yoghurt are a solid source of calcium.

Our second speaker, Ms Stalo Constantinou, was diagnosed with osteopenia and decided not to let it get any further. With the help of books, good nutrition, exercises, mental relaxation and lots of perseverance, she managed to stop the bone loss. Stress is also a big cause of loss of bone density as our vitamins are depleted so a holistic non-stressful attitude towards prevention is strongly recommended. Stalo then showed us a series of exercises and balance positions to enhance our frame. After all, our bones support us daily, so it is vital to care for them and work towards defeating osteoporosis.

The evening ended with a selection of Cypriot goodies which made up for our tired heads ! Many thanks to Dina and her team for such an informative session.

Karen Englander
EFTA / AELE Group