Who we are
The National Osteoporosis Isle of Man Group, also known as the Manx Ospeoporosis Society, is part of the UK wide charity National Osteoporosis Society.
The Manx Osteoporosis Society is a very active group. We have about 500 members and are growing all the time. It is important that we have a strong group so we can discuss improving care for sufferers with the DHSS and Nobles Hospital.
Our aims
The Group shares and promotes the vision of the National Osteoporosis Society:
- To improve public awareness and understanding of osteoporosis
- To influence health and social care provision to achieve excellence in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis
- To provide caring support and information to enable people affected by osteoporosis to make a positive difference to their lives
The work we do
People are often unaware that they have fragile bones until the time of a first fracture. Broken wrists, hips and spinal bones are the most common fractures in people with osteoporosis and it is more widespread in older age although younger people can sometimes be affected. About 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men may develop it during their life, so it is important that we do our best to prevent and treat it.
Medically, osteoporosis is defined as a "progressive systemic skeletal disease characterised by low bone mass and micro architectural deterioration of bone tissue with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture"!! Or in other words, if you have thin, poor quality bones they are more likely to break.
We are now able to measure bone density with a special scan called a Dexa. This means we can treat people who have particularly thin bones and hopefully prevent them having a fracture. You can help yourself keep your bones strong by taking regular exercise, stopping smoking and eating a diet with lots of calcium.
Our support group meets on a regular basis to offer support and information to sufferers of osteoporosis.
Information evenings are held during the year to allow people affected by osteoporosis to be given up to date information on diet, exercise and new drugs. This allows people to come and talk to doctors, physiotherapists, dieticians etc to find out how best to manage their own condition. Self help group meetings are held every two months with guest speakers.
We arrange talks for practice nurses, district nurses and other health care professionals so that they have the most current information regarding the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis.
How you can help
Fundraising
The Group do not receive any Government funding. We rely on donations and fundraising events.
Donations
A donation can be made to the above address.
Sponsors
Please contact us if you would like to sponsor the Manx Osteoporosis Society.
Tombola - drawn on 10th November 2010: Our sincere thanks to everyone who bought tickets and helped with sponsorship to raise funds for the Manx Osteoporosis Society. Our Tombola was drawn on 10th November with the 1st Prize of £200 going to Mr and Mrs Orton of Onchan, 2nd Prize of £100 was won by Mrs A Quayle of Douglas and the 3rd Prize of £50 to Mrs Pye of Onchan.
