A $700,000 national initiative is uniting athletes, doctors, government leaders and everyday Australians to raise community awareness of bone health and prevent thousands of potentially preventable fractures.
A national wake-up call
A new alliance gathered recently at Parliament House, Canberra, involving Olympic champions, doctors, policymakers, and community advocates, united not by sport or politics, but by bones.
The Albanese Government and Healthy Bones Australia (HBA) have joined forces in a $700,000 initiative to raise national awareness of osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones.
Announced during Osteoporosis Awareness Month at a Parliamentary Friends of Bone Health event, the investment aims to aid early detection and prevention of osteoporosis, especially for women aged 50 and over who are at heightened risk.
“Too many Australians, particularly women over 50, are living with undiagnosed osteoporosis,” said Assistant Minister for Health, Ageing and Women, the Hon. Rebecca White MP.
“Fractures can happen to anyone, and can change lives in an instant. This investment makes it easier for women to get tested early, and stay strong, mobile, and independent.”
The numbers that sparked action
The funding announcement coincided with the release of the Know Your Bones Community Risk Report (Fourth Edition) – based on data from more than 126,500 Australians.
The report’s findings are a wake-up call:
- 40 per cent of people who experience a fracture from a minor fall have never undergone a bone density test.
- Only 14 per cent receive osteoporosis medication post-fracture.
- Nearly half of these fractures occur between ages 50 and 69, when early treatment is most effective.
These statistics reveal a national care gap that the new national campaign aims to address through mobile bone density testing in regional communities and expanded promotion of the Know Your Bones online self-assessment tool.
From track star to health champion
Standing proudly alongside government representatives and clinicians in Canberra was Olympic Gold Medallist, two-time World Champion, and now, Healthy Bones Australia Ambassador, Sally Pearson OAM.
Ms Pearson has a deep connection to the cause. During her professional career, she sustained a serious wrist fracture after clipping a hurdle in competition – an experience that opened her eyes to the long road to recovery.
“As an athlete, I’ve seen how serious and disruptive fractures can be,” Pearson said.
“As an ambassador, I often speak with people who share stories of long, difficult recoveries from unexpected fractures.
“Fractures can happen to anyone. They can change your life in an instant,” said Pearson.
Since retiring from athletics, Pearson has channelled her energy into coaching and public health advocacy.
“I encourage every Australian to take an easy first step.
“Complete the Know Your Bones online self-assessment. It’s simple, free, and it could make a life-changing difference,” Pearson said.
Not just a statistic – a human story
Every data point represents a personal story, and Elaine’s story echoes the experiences of many, for whom osteoporosis is discovered after it’s too late.
GP practice manager and grandmother, Elaine, 70, Melbourne, shared how delayed diagnosis completely changed her life.
“I didn’t know my bones were fragile until I broke them,” she said.
“My late diagnosis has caused years of pain and restrictions I might have avoided had my osteoporosis been detected earlier.
“Most heartbreaking is not being able to pick up my grandchildren, something I longed to do,” said Elaine.
The leadership behind the movement
Healthy Bones Australia CEO, Greg Lyubomirsky, Sydney, has been a driving force behind national advocacy for bone health since 2015. A former clinician, and recipient of the International Osteoporosis Foundation President’s Award, Mr Lyumbomirsky is known for his pragmatic, prevention-first approach.
“The figures revealed in the Know Your Bones report are a warning that osteoporosis must be prioritised.
“Every fracture, even from a simple bump or fall, should be a clear signal to test, diagnose, and treat,” said Mr Lyubomirsky.
“With better awareness and action, thousands of fractures could be prevented each year.”
Healthy Bones Australia’s Medical Director, Professor Peter Wong, added prevention starts in the GP’s office.
“We must act early, identify bone fragility, intervene decisively, and ensure those at risk receive the right care and treatment.”
From data to daily habits
The Know Your Bones tool, developed by Healthy Bones Australia in collaboration with the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, provides Australians with a free, easily accessible way to understand their risk of developing osteoporosis and spark a conversation with their doctor.
The campaign also promotes simple, everyday steps to build stronger bones, such as weight-bearing exercise, sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol.
A shared commitment
According to Mr Lyubomirsky, at the conclusion of the Canberra launch event, a clear sense of collective purpose ensued – a belief that this was more than a funding announcement, but rather, the beginning of a cultural shift in how Australians think about bone health.
“The real power of this campaign lies in community action.
“Every Australian who takes five minutes to check their risk is helping prevent fractures, protect independence, and build a stronger nation,” said Mr Lyubomirsky.
Take the first step
Australians aged 50 and over are encouraged to complete the free Know Your Bones self-assessment today at www.knowyourbones.org.au
There are no comments