Osteoporosis DVD and workbook for schools launched

The Irish Osteoporosis Society recently launched their new DVD and workbook for schools in Moate Community School. The DVD, entitled 'Osteoporosis - the silent disease' is aimed at secondary school pupils, and has been produced to increase awareness of osteoporosis among younger people. Osteoporosis is the world"s leading bone disease which affects one in two women and one in five men over 50 in Ireland; however it can affect all age groups. The event was attended by Niall McLoughlin, CEO of the Irish Osteoporosis Society, Michelle O" Brien, National Health Promotion Officer with the Irish Osteoporosis Society, members of the school management, parents, Home Economics teachers from Rochfortbridge, Athlone Community College and Ms. Lloyd, Ms. Nolan and Ms. Beades the Home Economics teachers in Moate Community School. Home Economics students from Rochfortbridge, Athlone Community College and Moate were also in attendance. Ms Anne Beades welcomed all present and in her address noted that 'for many years in the past Home Economics and the role that the subject plays in the lives of young people in today"s society was not realised'. She continued to say that 'Home Economics provides life skills which today"s society appears to be losing. These skills include meal planning, understanding of food and its properties and most importantly the application of these skills be it on an individual or family level. Once our students go away to college or work we have instilled in them the wherewithal to survive and cope healthily in today"s society.' To the students present she said: 'Home Economics is giving young people the confidence and wherewithal to confront and succeed in the challenges they will face in an ever changing society. To the many students sitting in front of me today with aspirations of becoming a Home Economics teacher I advise you grasp the opportunity, because Home Economics is uniquely and powerfully poised to address diet, nutrition and health, lifestyle and societal factors which have contributed to the growing problem of osteoporosis, obesity etc. Issues like osteoporosis and obesity in young people are being talked around on the daily newspapers yet none of the powers that be recognise the role that our subject plays on a daily basis in educating the young people.' Ms. Beades thanked the Osteoporosis Society for giving Home Economics the recognition it deserved and promised that Home Economics teachers would deliver their message without hesitation. Speaking at the launch of the DVD in Moate Community School, Michelle O"Brien, National Health Promotion Officer for the Irish Osteoporosis Society said: 'Unfortunately there are many misconceptions about osteoporosis, particularly among younger people. The most common myth being that osteoporosis is an "old lady"s disease" and that nothing can be done to prevent it". 'The reality however is that osteoporosis can affect anybody, men or women, of any age, and in many cases the disease is preventable. In fact it has often been said that osteoporosis is an adults" disease which manifests itself in childhood. Therefore lifestyle choices taken during childhood and in the teenage years can have very important consequences for later in life.' The DVD covers different aspects of the disease such as "What Is Osteoporosis?", "Causes & Lifestyle" and "Osteoporosis Prevention" and the content includes segments on bone health, osteoporosis myths, diet and nutrition, exercise, risk factors and the importance of calcium and vitamin D. The accompanying workbook is designed to assist the teachers and pupils to get the most benefit from the DVD. The DVD and workbook can be ordered through the Irish Osteoporosis Website www.irishosteoporosis.ie or by calling the IOS office on 1890 252 751. The Irish Osteoporosis Society is an Irish charity dedicated to reducing the instances of osteoporosis and promoting bone health. The organisation provides information to the public and health professionals on all aspects of the disease and offers support to people with osteoporosis and everyone at risk from the disease.