Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a silent epidemic sweeping across countries with aging populations. In the next 50 years, more than half of all osteoporotic hip fractures are projected to occur in Asia.

In Singapore as in the rest of Asia, Osteoporosis is becoming an increasing public health problem. Osteoporosis is likely to increase as the population of Singapore is aging rapidly. Our age adjusted rates for osteoporotic hip fracture in women over the age of 50 years are currently among the highest in Asia.

Osteopenia and Osteoporosis are diseases with several preventable aspects that can be achieved through Lifestyle modification involving a judicious combination of the right diet and exercise… Studies have shown that proper dietary counselling which ensures adequate intake of Calcium and Vitamin D and exercise training can prevent further progression of the disease and help maintain bone density and prevent fractures.”

The Osteoporosis and Bone Metabolism Unit at the LIFE Centre in Singapore General Hospital aims to provide a one stop diagnostic and treatment centre for state of the art care of patients with Osteopenia and Osteoporosis and other complicated disorders of Bone Metabolism such as Secondary Osteoporosis, Hyperaparathyroidism, Osteomalacia, Paget’s Disease etc.

Our Purpose

To provide a team service approach to helping people with osteoporosis or people at risk of osteoporosis.
To offer group and individual education/counselling.
To provide expertise and education for health care professionals.
To provide cutting edge treatment for complicated disorders of bone metabolism
To facilitate research and evidence-based practice.
To organize regular health talks and exhibitions on prevention and management of Osteoporosis to the public

Our Services

The Osteoporosis and Bone Metabolism Unit at the LIFE Centre provides interdisciplinary coordinated services for the prevention, diagnosis and management of osteoporosis and other disorders of Bone Metabolism
Individual consultations with the Specialist Physicians
Counselling Sessions with the Osteoporosis Nurse Clinician
Individual Consultations with the Dietitian at the Specialized “Diet Bone” Clinic
Tailored exercise programmes provided through individual as well as group physiotherapy sessions

We also have a fully up and running Osteoporosis Support group (WISHBONE- Women (and Men) in Support of Healthy Bones ) that provides a friendly and informative platform for individuals affected by Osteopenia and Osteoporosis to come together and share information, feelings and goals with others in a similar situation.

For further information on WISHBONE, please contact the Osteoporosis Nurse Clinician at 6326 5837.

Managing bone health during COVID-19

With the latest government’s announcements on enhanced measures to tackle the COVID-19 transmission, it is important also however to pay attention to your bone health during this time while staying at home.

Staying inside the house all day could mean lack of sun exposure. This could result in low vitamin D levels in your blood. A good way to get vitamin D would be to go out to your balcony or around your estate during the hours between 10 am-3 pm and enjoy some sunshine for 10-15 minutes a day 3 -4 times a week at least.

Continue to engage in exercises such as walking (as briskly as possible) around your estate (always keeping in mind social distancing), light weight bearing etc. Here are some exercise references you can refer to.

Osteoporosis exercises English.docx

Osteoporosis exercises Malay.docx

Osteoporosis exercises Mandarin.docx

Osteoporosis exercises Tamil.docx

Osteoporosis Exercise Programme

Length of program : N.A

Who is this for? : This exercise programme is designed for individuals diagnosed with low bone mineral density or patients currently diagnosed with osteoporosis. Weight-bearing and resistance exercises as well as balance training, which have been shown to be beneficial to this population, are specifically included in this exercise programme.

The programme consists of:

Individualised fitness assessment

Tailored exercise programmes provided through individual as well as group physiotherapy sessions

Subscription for supervised gym usage (if desired)

For further enquiries on programmes and services offered, please call 6326 6697.

Osteoporosis and Bone Metabolism Programme

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Our Purpose

Our Services

Managing bone health during COVID-19

Osteoporosis Exercise Programme

Sign up today!