Bone & Joint Decade Action Week Events Shine Spotlight on Musculoskeletal Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) October 16, 2006 --

16 October 2006 | LUND (SWEDEN) -- October 12th - 20th marks the sixth annual Bone and Joint Decade Action Week, dedicating specific days to major conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, with activities planned in countries around the world aimed at highlighting the severe impact of these disorders on millions of children, adults and elderly people worldwide. The Bone & Joint Decade International Action Week runs every year from October 12th through 20th. Focus days include: October 12 - World Arthritis Day October 16 - World Spine Day October 17 - World Trauma Day October 20 - World Osteoporosis Day This year�s Action Week is highlighted by activities around the world.

Prof Lars Lidgren, Chairman of the Bone and Joint Decade, and Head of the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Lund, said: �Musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of disability around the world, affecting one out of every four adults and accounting for 25% of the total cost of illness.� The Decade aims to build awareness of the burden of musculoskeletal conditions by educating the public and driving research and legislation to improve care. Some facts: � Several hundred million people worldwide already suffer from joint diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and this figure is set to increase exponentially due to the predicted doubling of the number of people over age 50 by the year 2020. � One in every three women over age 50 will suffer a fracture caused by osteoporosis. � Up to 80% of people will suffer from back pain during their lives. � Back pain is the second leading cause of work-place sick leave. � Every 30 seconds someone dies in a road traffic accident, and in the same time frame three others are severely injured. � Road traffic accidents are the leading cause of death and disability for people under age 45. Launched in January 2000, the Bone and Joint Decade is an NGO, headquartered in Sweden, comprised of National Action Networks in 60 countries and with the support of more than 750 related organisations globally. Its mission is to advance understanding of musculoskeletal disorders worldwide through research and to improve the quality of life for those affected. The Bone and Joint Decade is supported by professional medical societies, patient advocacy groups, governments, industry and researchers who are united with the goal of advancing knowledge in the field and bringing about policy change. The Bone and Joint Decade is delighted to have the personal and active support of Kofi Annan, United Nations Secretary-General, the World Health Organization and the World Bank. The Bone and Joint Decade encompasses diseases associated with musculoskeletal disorders such as joint diseases, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, low back pain, spinal disorders, severe trauma to the extremities, crippling diseases and deformities in children. For more information, see www.bjdonline.org.