July 26, 2012
School of Medicine, Kochi
The Amrita Osteoporosis Clinic was inaugurated at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences by Prof. K. V. Thomas, Honorable State Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs on July 20, 2012.
The Amrita Clinic is the first clinic in the state that will offer a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosing and treating osteoporosis
A condition in which the bones become thin and fragile, osteoporosis is known as a silent disease, since there are usually no noticeable symptoms until a fracture of the hip or vertebra occurs. Back pain and a stooping posture are the inevitable results.
Dr. Arun Menon, Consultant at the Amrita Osteoporosis Clinic explained the reasons and the causes for osteoporosis.
“All of us lose our bone mass as we age. That is inevitable. The problem happens when one is losing bone mass due to other reasons also.”
“The most common problem is the menopausal bone loss. Women who go through a premature menopause are at very high risk for osteoporosis. Smokers, alcoholics and those with chronic medical diseases belong to the high risk category. Almost all hormonal problems cause rapid bone loss. Use of steroid medications also induces osteoporosis.”
Pointing out that although aging and hormonal changes are not modifiable, there are a number of other risk factors which one can address to protect the bone health.
“The most important factor is the diet. Diet rich in calcium is what is so important for bone health. The importance of exercise cannot be overstated and that is something which we have to continue to do throughout our lifetimes,” he emphasized.
The Amrita Osteoporosis Clinic has a state-of-the-art Dexa Scan machine which accurately and precisely measures bone density. Dexa Scan is the most sensitive test available today to help diagnose osteoporosis.
The new Clinic will function as a part of the Department of Endocrinology.
“In general, people do not care much about their bone health. Amrita Osteoporosis Clinic is dedicated to providing high class tertiary care for osteoporosis,” stated Dr. Harish Kumar, Professor and Head of the Department of Endocrinology, speaking at the inaugural function.
Dr. Justice K. Narayana Kurup, Former Acting Chief Justice, High Court of Chennai; Dr. Babu John, Vice President, Indian Medical Association, Kochi Chapter; Dr. Prathapan Nair, Principal, Amrita School of Medicine; Dr. S. K. Ramachandran, Additional Medical Superintendent, AIMS were also present at the inaugural function.
