3 DAIRY A DAY CAN HELP PREVENT OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis, which affects one in two women and one in five men over fifty in Ireland, is a disease which is preventable and treatable in the majority of people.

Osteoporosis is the world’s leading bone disease and affects people of all age groups, including children. It is known as the ‘silent disease’ as the majority of people have no pain until they fracture, however it is estimated that only 15% of those affected are diagnosed.

Professor Moira O’Brien, President of the Irish Osteoporosis Society says, “Our goal, and the goal of the National Dairy Council is to encourage as many people as possible to adopt a bone-healthy lifestyle. This can be achieved through eating a healthy diet, taking regular weight bearing exercise and being aware of the many risk factors for osteoporosis. We are hoping to prevent people from developing the disease which - if left untreated - can cause severe pain due to multiple fractures and loss of independence.”

“Taking sufficient levels of calcium and vitamin D are essential. Calcium is the most abundant mineral found in our bones and helps to give bones strength and rigidity. Calcium is also required for muscles and nerves to function normally, including those in the heart,” said Professor O’Brien.  

“Milk, cheese and yogurt are some of the best sources of calcium available to us, particularly in Ireland. Vitamin D is vital for the absorption of calcium and is mainly available in fortified milk as well as oily fish and sunlight.”

GUIDE TO OSTEOPOROSIS

Niall McLoughlin and Helen Brophy, Chief Executives of the Irish Osteoporosis Society and the National Dairy Council, are pictured with Professor Moira O'Brien, President of the Irish Osteoporosis Society at the launch of the "Guide to Osteoporosis."

The booklet, produced in partnership with the National Dairy Council, is designed to inform, guide and educate women and men of all ages, and children about osteoporosis and to help them adopt a 'bone-friendly' lifestyle.

For a free copy of the Guide to Osteoporosis please contact the Irish Osteoporosis Society at 1890 252 751 or the NDC at 01-290 2451..

You can also download a copy of the Guide free (pdf) or by visiting www.ndc.ie

Craig Doyle Launches National Awareness Campaign

The Start of www.3aday.ie

Welcome to www.3aday.ie. “3 a day” refers to the Department of Health and Children’s recommended three servings of dairy a day for adults and children, as part of a balanced diet.

This website is a gateway to the websites of the National Dairy Council and the Irish Osteoporosis Society. To learn more about dairy products and the health benefits of dairy or to find out more about osteoporosis, click on the links above.

International tri-athlete and sports presenter Craig Doyle launched a radio campaign at the start of April 2009 for the Irish Osteoporosis Society and the National Dairy Council. The campaign sets out to raise awareness that good nutrition with the inclusion of the recommended three portions of dairy a day, can help to prevent Osteoporosis - whatever your age – and to develop and maintain healthy bones.

Listen to the radio ad

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Craig Doyle in Studio

Craig Doyle voiced the national radio advertising campaign which also promotes this new website www.3aday.ie, to help members of the public get access to information about osteoporosis and dairy produce.

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