Fonterra bone health check campaign

HEALTH CAMPAIGN: Osteoporosis is a major world health threat for an estimated 55 percent of the people 50 years of age and older. Eighty percent of those affected are women. Osteoporotic fractures are a significant public health problem, resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality. One in three women 1,2 and one in five men 3 over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their remaining lifetime. While osteoporosis is often thought of as an older person's disease, it can strike at any age.

A health campaign to create awareness of osteoporosis whilst providing opportunity for the public to get a free bone health check would commence in February.

This campaign is spearheaded by Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd as part of their corporate social responsibility strategy under the sponsorship of Anlene. To successfully implement this strategy four Achilles InSight Imaging Bone Ultrasonometer, (Foot Bone Scan Machines) have been acquired.

Two trucks carrying the machines would go from town to town offering bone health checks to the public. Such a bone health check costs approximately Rs. 1,000 to 1,500 if done in hospitals and is available only in a few private hospitals in Colombo. Under the Anlene Bone Health Check, this facility will be made available for all adults free.