On the occasion of the National Osteoporosis Month (May 2017), the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences (FNHS) at Notre Dame University-Louaize Shouf Campus (NDU-SC) organized on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, a public lecture titled, “Calcium and Osteoporosis,” which was delivered by NTR 430 students (Rawan Bou Hadir, Lara Abdul Baki, Asma Mohtar, Elsa Dagher), as a token of appreciation for their mothers who attended the seminar. The attendees included the mothers of NTR 430 students (Mrs. Dagher and Mrs. Abdul Baki), staff, and students
FNHS Coordinator Dr. Lara Youssef delivered the welcome note, and then gave the floor to the students who began their lecture by defining osteoporosis, facts on the mineral calcium, and how the dietary intake of calcium is essential in the prevention of osteoporosis and loss of bone mass.
Since the body's calcium needs change with age, calcium intake should be adjusted as necessary and divided over the course of a day. When it comes to calcium intake, therefore, it is important to get enough calcium; however, more is not necessarily better.
The students focused on the dietary sources of calcium and stated that although dairy foods generally contain the most concentrated amounts of calcium, many other foods are good sources.
They proceeded by explaining the diagnostic tools for osteoporosis, such as Bone Mineral Density (BMD) testing, and also they discussed the causes behind calcium malabsorption, such as steroid use, sodium and phosphorus intake, excess protein intake (resulting in excess sulfates), oxalate ingestion, insoluble fiber, alcohol and caffeine, smoking, stress, and lack of exercise.
They went on to underline the importance of vitamin D in assisting the absorption of calcium and highlighted the different types of calcium supplements as well as some osteoporotic treatments and how to prevent the osteopenia.
The conclusion was that serious measures and precautions should be taken to delay the onset of osteoporosis given that there will be a significant increase in the widespread epidemic by 2020, which is even affecting younger patients.
A Q&A session followed the lecture.
In conclusion, two bouquets of flowers were presented to the mothers in attendance, as a token recognition.