MINERAL DISEASES

'Over 20% elderly die of hip fractures'

Citing the example of osteoporosis, former head of endocrinology at SGPGI and organising chairperson Dr Sushil Gupta said, "In India, osteoporosis is the most neglected public health problem, though it affects almost 40% of postmenopausal women and nearly 20% of elderly men. Osteoporosis causes fractures, and if left untreated, it leads to further fractures. However, a lack of awareness adversely impacts the quality of life."