Don't let a fall get you down, say Northern Trust

The Trust held a recent workshop for staff to help shape the future development of falls, fractures and osteoporosis services in the Coleraine area.

Wynne Sharp is a Committee Member with the National Osteoporosis Society.

At the workshop she spoke about her experience of living with osteoporosis. She said,“I was diagnosed when I was 59 with osteoporosis which causes me severe crippling pain.

“The consultant told me that my spine was like an old rusty bike chain. I was told that this was due to me getting older and there wasn’t anything that could be done for me.

“I have lost four-and-a-half inches off my height due to the weakness and curve in my spine and I have to make a conscious effort to hold myself up straight when standing.

“I was put on calcium supplements and began carrying out my own research into osteoporosis. I discovered that taking part in weight bearing exercises helps to strengthen bones.

“I took up walking, at first I walked for five minutes and have now built this up to walking for one hour at a time now. I also take part in aerobics classes.

“I feel it is very important to look at the prevention, management and treatment of falls, osteoporosis and fractures. Although I have not had a fall I am very conscious that if I fall it could result in serious fractures to my bones due to the osteoporosis.

“It is important to try and encourage children to have a healthy diet which includes calcium rich food, dairy products and oily fish to help prevent osteoporosis in later life”.