Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Polley, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) 20 October is World Osteoporosis Day and aims to increase awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis,

  (ii) osteoporosis is a fragile bone disease that causes painful and debilitating fractures, particularly of the hip and spine,

  (iii) every year in Australia around 165 000 fractures occur, many of which could have been prevented with earlier diagnosis and treatment, and

  (iv) Australia-wide, 4 million Australians over 50 have poor bone health;

(b) acknowledges that the cost of fractures associated with osteoporosis nationally amounted to $2 billion in 2017; and

(c) recognises that:

  (i) early action can be taken through regular exercise, a bone-healthy diet and consultation with a doctor about osteoporosis risk factors,

  (ii) diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis can halve the risk of fracture, and

  (iii) effective preventative treatments include regular exercise, a bone healthy diet and consultation with doctors about risk factors.

Question agreed to.