BEAT THE BREAK BY GETTING TESTED!

5.28.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 16th Oct 2007

Liz Lynne MEP (r) being shown the mobile bone testing facility with an expert from the International Osteoporosis Foundation on World Osteoporosis Day

A third of women and a fifth of men will be personally affected by osteoporosis, a condition whereby bones become brittle and break more easily, particularly in older age. To highlight the need for awareness and control of the risks, various events have taken place to observe World Osteoporosis Day.

West Midlands Euro MP Liz Lynne took the opportunity to visit the mobile testing facility which the International Osteoporosis Foundation set up at the European Parliament in Brussels, and feels individuals could avoid much pain and suffering if they were aware they had the condition before they suffered bone breakages.

Speaking today after the test, Liz, who is Co-chair of the European Parliament's Intergroup on Ageing and Vice-President of the All-Party Disability Intergroup, said:

"In our daily lives it is so easy to forget to look after ourselves until something awful happens. Osteoporosis is something which affects a lot of people, yet many don't know how vulnerable they are until they break bones.

"If everyone gets tested, then those with a predisposition to the condition can take steps to reduce the risk of breakages. While most of our bone health is inherited genetically, stopping smoking, regular exercise, healthy eating, Vitamin D and calcium can all help to strengthen bones.

"I am pleased to have been tested myself and would encourage all to do the same, particularly older people and those in particular risk groups such as heavy drinkers and smokers, people with eating disorders or family history of the condition, or women who have had an early menopause."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Photo caption: Liz Lynne MEP (r) being shown the mobile bone testing facility with an expert from the International Osteoporosis Foundation on World Osteoporosis Day

National Osteoporosis Society: http://www.nos.org.uk/

Support groups across the region: http://www.nos.org.uk/supportgroups/contact-us_fav240.htm

International Osteoporosis Foundation: http://www.iofbonehealth.org/