For more information on any of the topics below, please refer to the Fact Sheets on www.bones.org.nz

• What is Know Your Bones?

  Know Your Bones is an online bone health self-assessment generating a report explaining your risk results and personalised recommendations. The programme was developed as a joint initiative for fracture prevention between Osteoporosis Australia and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. It has been adapted and licenced for use in New Zealand.

• Can osteoporosis be treated?

  For those who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, early diagnoses, a bone healthy lifestyle and medication can allow people to stay fracture free.

  There are many proven effective treatments which have been shown to reduce fragility fracture by 30-50%.

• What should I do with my assessment results?

  Your results will identify any potential risk factors based on your answers. A report provides recommendations for any areas of risk identified which can be discussed with your doctor.

• What is a fracture versus a broken bone?

  A fracture and broken bone are essentially the same thing. The word fracture is a term used by medical professionals. A fracture can be a partial or complete break in a bone.

• Why should I be concerned about my bone health?

  Bone health is an important part of your general health. Osteoporosis is common in New Zealand and results in 15,600 hospital admissions with fractures (broken bones) annually. People with risk factors for osteoporosis should be investigated by their doctor. Know Your Bones can help you understand your risk.

• How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

  If you have risk factors for osteoporosis your doctor should refer you for a bone density test – a simple scan that indicates if bones are in the range of normal, low bone density (osteopenia) or osteoporosis. If required, your doctor can work with you to take action to improve your bone health. A broken bone can be a first signal of osteoporosis and requires urgent investigation.

Self assess your bone health now