THE CHIEF Medical Officer for Wales, Professor Isabel Oliver, is teaming up with bone health experts to run the Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon – raising money for the Royal Osteoporosis Society.
The group, which is led by Dr Inder Singh, National Clinical Lead for Bone Health in Wales, will take on the 13.1-mile course through the city on Sunday (October 5) for a cause very close to all their hearts.
Professor Oliver was so impressed by the work of Dr Singh and his team in diagnosing and treating people with osteoporosis and fragility fractures, she decided to join them in raising vital funds for the condition.
Dr Singh, who is also a Consultant Geriatrician for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, has been instrumental in steering the universal roll-out of Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) across Wales. These specialist bone health clinics diagnose and treat osteoporosis early in people over 50 after a first fracture. This prevents more devastating broken bones such as hip fractures.
The Welsh Government is leading the way in osteoporosis treatment and prevention – achieving universal FLS coverage across the nation and setting high-quality performance standards.
The team of 12 runners include many of the dedicated medical staff at the Aneurin Bevan UHB Fracture Liaison Service.
- 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis causes bones to lose strength and break more easily – often from a fall from standing height, a cough, a sneeze and even a hug.
- Broken bones caused by osteoporosis can be painful, impact on daily life, reduce independence, and sometimes lead to life-changing disability.
Professor Isabel Oliver said: “I’m pleased to run this marathon – strong bones keep us all moving forward in Wales!”
Inder Singh, National Clinical Lead, Bone Health, Wales, said: “The Royal Osteoporosis Society has been a tremendous partner in advancing high-quality osteoporosis care across the UK.
“I am deeply grateful for their support in raising awareness and helping us deliver the national 80/50/80 standard, in line with the Welsh Government’s Quality Statement for Osteoporosis and Bone Health.
“In Wales, we continue to strengthen our Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), guided by our pledge to ensure that ‘the first fragility fracture is the last’.
“Wales has made significant progress, and taking part in the ROS fundraising run is just one small way of showing our appreciation for all that the Society does.”
Craig Jones, Chief Executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, said: “Wales is leading the way in promoting bone health, setting a powerful example for the rest of the UK. This progress will benefit everyone, especially middle-aged and older women in Wales, who are most at risk.
“We are deeply honoured that the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Professor Isabel Oliver, and Welsh Fracture Tsar Dr Inder Singh are showing their personal commitment by running this half marathon in support of our charity.
“We will continue to be a constructive voice – urging the Welsh Government to deliver on its pledge for high-quality Fracture Liaison Services in every community by 2030 – while proudly cheering on the Welsh Government team as they run the half marathon in support of our cause.”
Visit the team’s JustGiving page: Bone Health in Wales is fundraising for Royal Osteoporosis Society
Check your osteoporosis risk: The ROS online risk checker tool gives people a personalised report on their bone health in a few minutes, prompting people to have a conversation with their GP about osteoporosis if needed.
