In my capacity as chair of the European Parliament Osteoporosis Interest Group, I urge women of all ages to make bone and muscle health a priority in their lives.

Osteoporosis is a silent disease, but the broken bones and fractures that result can have devastating consequences on your health, wellbeing and future independence. Worldwide more than 200 million women are affected, including at least 22 million in Europe. Bones and muscles are the physical pillars that help us stand tall and strong. And we women need to stay strong – we are the pillars that support our families and our communities.

 Governments can create policies to protect their citizens’ health, but ultimately it is the individual who must take control of their own bone health.

 Especially if you’ve reached menopause – you must not delay taking action. Use World Osteoporosis Day on 20 October as an occasion to find out whether you are at risk. Take the IOF One Minute Osteoporosis Risk Test at www.worldosteoporosisday.org

And don’t forget to ask your doctor to assess your bone health at your next check-up.

Strong women make stronger women.  Share this information with the important women in your life: your daughters, your sisters, your friends.

I recently recorded a video promoting good bone health which you can watch above.