Finns had the chance to find out their risk of osteoporotic fracture during the Osteoporosis Tour, organised in May-June by the Finnish Osteoporosis Association and Hartwall Novelle Calcium.
Osteoporosis risks were measured at eight localities in Finland with ultrasound heel examinations. Further examinations were recommended to about one-fifth of the examinees. The tour made it clear that more attention should be paid to sufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D. It is particularly important to take steps to prevent osteoporosis at a young age.
The mission of the joint tour was to get people thinking about the health of their bones and their own risk of bone fractures.
“The tour was very well received. People took a great interest in improving bone health. The cornerstones of prevention and treatment are a sufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D, well-rounded exercise and avoiding tobacco. People know a bit about bone health, but would clearly like to know more,” says Virpi Koskue, the executive director of the Finnish Osteoporosis Association, who participated in the tour.
A total of 726 people were given examinations at nine events. The tour made two stops in Helsinki and one stop each in Espoo, Vantaa, Lahti, Lempäälä, Turku, Lappeenranta and Jyväskylä.
“Many of the examinees were already worried about the health of their bones. They hadn’t taken calcium products or exercised enough, or osteoporosis ran in their family. Further examinations were recommended to about one-fifth of them,” says Koskue.
Youth interest in bone health is a pleasant surprise
Although the examinees tended to be older than fifty, Koskue was pleasantly surprised by the interest shown by young adults. Both young girls and boys were examined at all the tour locations. Koskue emphasises that it’s important to take good care of your bones from a young age.
“The daily calcium and vitamin D intake of many people has weakened due to changes in nutritional habits. What’s more, people are exercising less on a daily basis. It’s especially important for young people to pay attention to these things,” says Koskue.
Osteoporosis is one of the great threats to our national health
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that weakens bone strength and thus increases the risk of fractures. It is estimated that there are about 400,000 people in Finland whose bone density has declined significantly. About 30,000 - 40,000 osteoporotic fractures occur each year in which weaker bones are a contributing factor. Osteoporosis is generally regarded as one of the major threats to our national health.
Hartwall Novelle Calcium participated in the tour because it seeks to encourage Finns to pay attention to the health of their bones and sufficient calcium intake.
“We hope that our tour inspired Finns to take good care of their bones. Sufficient calcium intake, regular exercise and vitamin D help keep bones strong,” says Karla Frisk, brand manager for Hartwall Novelle.
In the spring, Hartwall launched Hartwall Novelle Calcium. It is a good source of the calcium required to keep your bones and teeth strong. One 1.5-litre bottle contains 800 mg of calcium. According to Finnish nutritional recommendations, that is an adult’s required daily amount of calcium. Feedback from consumers indicates that they are pleased to have a fresh new lactose-free alternative source of calcium.
For additional information, contact:
Finnish Osteoporosis Association
Executive Director Virpi Koskue, virpi.koskue@osteoporoosiliitto.fi, tel. +358 40 537 2822
Hartwall Ltd
Brand Manager Karla Frisk, karla.frisk@hartwall.fi, tel. +358 20 717 2849