Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that November is Osteoporosis Awareness Month.
Osteoporosis is an insidious chronic disease characterized by bone loss.
This disease makes people susceptible to hip, spine and wrist fractures, often leading to reduced activity and quality of life. Long term hospitalization and nursing home placement can be the result.
Osteoporosis is most common among women 60 to 69, and 42% of women over 79 have this disease. Younger women and men can also develop osteoporosis.
The month of November presents an opportunity for all Canadians to “bone up” and protect themselves.
On behalf of the House, I commend the Osteoporosis Society of Canada for its efforts and wish the society a very successful Osteoporosis Awareness Month.