Campaign to reduce risk of osteoporosis

The Sunday Times, page C2

A group of NTU students are running a communication campaign targeted at middle-aged women and aimed at reducing the risk of osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones. Declining levels of oestrogen, a hormone that protects bones, during menopause puts women at greater risk of osteoporosis, which increases the risk of fractures. Ms Eldrida Yeong is one of four undergraduates who launched the campaign, The Bone Bank, in January as part of a final-year academic project. The 23-year-old from NTU’s WKWSCI says the campaign resonates with her because her mother is within its target demographic of women aged between 42 and 58 years old. The Bone Bank, a collaboration with Sengkang General Hospital, promotes the consumption of adequate calcium, vitamin D and exercise to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Campaign activities include yoga classes and social media groups fostering discussion among women about the disease.