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Osteoporosis and ageing: how a bone density scan can measure your risk of suffering it, and how regular exercise can lower that risk

  • A physiotherapist explains the benefits of having an early bone density scan, and how exercise can help men and menopausal women lower the risk of osteoporosis
  • One in three women and one in five men over 50 will suffer a broken bone because of osteoporosis; early screening can alert sufferers

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Osteoporosis causes broken bones in one in three women and one in five men over 50, but an early bone density scan and regular exercise can reduce the risks. Above: physiotherapist Judith Anne Gould opened a bone health clinic in Hong Kong after seeing a rising number of cases of osteoporosis and osteopenia. Photo: Edmond So

It is getting easier to talk openly about menopause – and that is good for women’s health, including their bone health.

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Menopause can significantly speed up bone loss and increase osteoporosis risk. When the subject was taboo, it was not easy to make such connections.

Hong Kong physiotherapist Judith Anne Gould has noticed an increase in clients coming to her clinic with a diagnosis of osteopenia (low bone density), or osteoporosis (when new bone creation doesn’t keep up with the loss of old bone material).

Gould founded Prohealth Posture Plus in 2007 in Hong Kong’s Central district. Two years ago, she set up a bone density clinic. Such is the demand that recently the clinic expanded.

Physiotherapist Judith Anne Gould opened a clinic in Hong Kong dedicated to bone health after seeing a rising number of clients with osteoporosis and osteopenia. Photo: Edmond So
Physiotherapist Judith Anne Gould opened a clinic in Hong Kong dedicated to bone health after seeing a rising number of clients with osteoporosis and osteopenia. Photo: Edmond So

While menopausal women are at higher risk, bone weakening may affect men, too, and people of all ages.

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