Teaching osteoporosis as a subject in female intermediate and secondary schools, colleges and universities has been proposed by a women's group in the Eastern Province. The suggestion to include the teaching of osteoporosis in girls' education was tabled during the observance here Thursday of the Osteoporosis World Day by the women's committee of the Saudi Diabetes and Endocrine Association (SDEA). Osteoporosis is an affliction that weakens the bones, making them brittle, often leading to fractures, pain, disability, and a lower quality of life. “Osteoporosis is called the ‘silent thief' that affects mostly women, weakening the bones silently and unnoticed through the years until the affliction reaches the advanced stage,” the women's group said in their manifesto. The women's committee of the SDEA has called upon all women leaders in society to support its campaign to reduce osteoporosis risks among women. “Awareness is important in this campaign, and education is a key factor. Therefore, teaching what osteoporosis is and its debilitating effects on women, adults, and children is important,” the women's group said. According to the women's committee, it is important for Saudi society and other communities to recognize the risk factors associated with osteoporosis and reduce them. “It is important to invest in bone health before our children reach the age of 30, because prevention should come early.” The committee said proper nutrition, consumption of foods rich in calcium, such as, low fat and skimmed milk and its products in sufficient amount, intake of food fortified with Vitamin D, and moderation in the consumption of salt and excessive caffeine should be observed in the prevention of osteoporosis. The committee said inclusion of osteoporosis in the curriculum of girl schools is a key factor in the campaign. Saudi Gazette __
