RIYADH, 6 November 2007 — As part of a national campaign against the spread of osteoporosis in the Kingdom, more than a million SMS text messages will be sent by the Ministry of Health to the public about the importance of combating the disease.

“We want to take possible preventive measures against the disease, which is common mostly among women over the age of 50,” said Dr. Yacoub Al-Mazroei, deputy minister of health, who launched the campaign on behalf of Health Minister Dr. Hamad Al-Manie.

Quoting recent reports, Al-Mazroei said one out of two women over the age of 50 is either susceptible or a victim of the disease. Among men the ratio is one to eight.

He said the ministry would be distributing a million pamphlets throughout the Kingdom’s 20 health regions to highlight the disease and advise people to take preventive measures. In addition, he said, the print and electronic media would carry relevant articles to keep readers and viewers abreast of the growing dangers of the disease in the Kingdom.

The ministry will also open on Saturday a toll free telephone line 8002494444, offering medical advice to those who want to know more about the disease.

Common factors for the development of the disease are early menopause, lack of calcium in the body, lack of vitamin D in one’s daily diet, hyperactive thyroid, chronic kidney failure and consuming cortisone and epilepsy medications.

Al-Mazroei said that in youth, adequate exercise and appropriate nutrition are essential to build peak bone mass and reduce the risk of fractures later in life.

“Certain lifestyles are harmful to bone health in all ages. This includes smoking, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition or low body weight and lack of exercise,” he said, adding that people are advised to take positive action by practicing a bone-healthy lifestyle, which includes weight-bearing exercises, and an intake of calcium and vitamin D.

“Post-menopausal women should recognize that they are at greater risk of osteoporosis, and be especially aware of what questions to ask their physicians. Men should be aware that they too are at risk of osteoporosis and that there are special considerations that should be recognized and acted upon.,” he said.