Fed: Indoor Australians at risk of bone disease

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2006
Fed: Indoor Australians at risk of bone disease

Australia may have a reputation as a nation of sun-worshippers .. but doctors say many
older people are at risk of bone disease because they don't spend enough time in the sun.

Sunlight causes the body to manufacture vitamin D .. which is needed to increase calcium
absorption and ensure healthy bones.

But elderly people who are housebound .. live in residential facilities .. or spend
most of their time indoors .. are at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Dr PETER ROUSH of the National Prescribing Service .. says this deficiency can lead
to osteoporosis .. a condition in which bones become thinner and weaker .. and can fracture
more easily.

The National Prescribing Service is a government-funded organisation promoting the
correct use of medicines.

AAP RTV jb/sb/wz/psm/

KEYWORD: SUN (CANBERRA)

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