Patient Education

We at the WISH BONE (Women (and Men) in Support of Bone Health) Support Group of the Metabolic Bone Unit (Osteoporosis and Bone Metabolism Unit) at Singapore General Hospital trust that you and your family are staying safe and well.

It is important also however to pay attention to your bone health during this time.  Elderly people with other medical conditions are more likely to have complications from COVID -19. Since osteoporosis is primarily a disease of the elderly, it is understandable that older people and their care givers will have concerns whether having osteoporosis increases their risk of contracting COVID-19 and whether their risk of complications are likely to be higher. Rest assured that this is not the case.

If you have osteoporosis and are being treated for it, unless it is on your doctor’s advice, please continue to take your medicines. This is especially so if you are on an injectable medication called Denosumab. Please call the hospital if you have trouble coming for your treatment.

It is very important to be safe and remain fracture free while confined to your house. Most osteoporotic fractures happen inside the house from falls. Fall prevention which is important even otherwise is vital now. Please ensure that your home environment is obstacle free. This means no loose rugs or wires on the floor, having non slippery floors, having adequate lighting, taking care when getting up in the middle of the night, going to the bathroom etc.

Staying inside the house all day could mean lack of sun exposure. This could result in low vitamin D levels in your blood. If your doctor has you on Vitamin D supplements, please continue to take it. A good way to get vitamin D would be to go out to your balcony or to the yard 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.

Lastly do engage in social contact with your friends and family. This can be by remaining in touch over the phone or computer if you cannot meet them directly. Such human contact is necessary to avoid getting anxious or depressed. This is a good time for you to get back to your taichi, yoga and meditation exercises that you might have neglected!

We can get through this together!

Stay informed! Stay Healthy!

 Final Malay version.docx

The American Thyroid Association patient resource pages are designed to provide up-to-date information for thyroid patients, their families and other interested public communities.