Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — The Student Development Unit at Batterjee Medical College (BMC) organized an event at Roshan Mall in Jeddah to raise awareness in the community of the drawbacks of osteoporosis and Vitamin D deficiency.

The event coincided with the World Osteoporosis Day and was conducted by selected students and graduates of the Physiotherapy Program and the Pharmacy Program at BMC.

They prepared various corners to explain the causes, treatment options and methods of prevention that should be practiced regularly for better health.

A large number of community members from all age groups expressed their joy and gratification that the college was interested in this type of community activity.

Dr. Osama Bin Adnan Kensara, dean of the college, stated that BMC, as an educational institution in the medical sector, has a responsibility to raise awareness, serve the community and activate the students’ role in order to keep pace with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Dr. Mohammed Tahir Tayyeb, director of student affairs, added that the college adopted an annual plan to activate health activities and events to provide community services that contribute to improving the health situation in the region.

World Osteoporosis Day (WOD), marked on Oct. 20 every year, is a yearlong campaign dedicated to raising global awareness about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, especially after the age of 50.

According to the International Journal of Clinical & Laboratory Research, there are many risk factors that can contribute to osteoporosis, which include aging, being female, low body weight, low sex hormones or menopause, smoking, and some medications.

Prevention and treatment include calcium and vitamin D supplements, regular exercise, and osteoporosis medications.