by Ellie Davies, Acting Project Manager, Falls and Fragility Fracture Audit Programme (FFFAP)
The challenge:
520,000 cases of fragility fracture occur every year amongst those (primarily over-50s) suffering with the bone-weakening disease known as osteoporosis. That is 520,000 broken bones caused by as little as slipping in the shower, stepping off a curb even. This is not only a huge economic burden on the NHS, approximately £5.25 billion, but an epidemic that has lasting physical and emotional repercussions for sufferers. It is upsetting to learn that 42% of older people say that osteoporosis has made them feel more socially isolated.…
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Dates for the next Versus Arthritis MSK Champion programme are now live on their website! 
Many of us know that our patients’ lives could be so much better if they move just a little more. Active Conversations has been developed by Moving Medicine in partnership with the Academy for Health Coaching and is a practical, evidence-based online learning course worth 16 CPD points, that teaches clinicians how to have quick, effective and positive conversations that encourage patients to do more physical activity.
BASRaT registrar Ollie Coburn has produced a short video illustrating his profession.
The Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine has launched a new course in collaboration with Effective Professional Interactions (EPI), aimed at first contact practitioners – GPs, Allied Health Professionals and Nurse Practitioners.
NICE guideline: Safe prescribing and withdrawal management of prescribed drugs associated with dependence and withdrawal
Readers of this newsletter will all be aware that physical activity is essential for musculoskeletal health. Every month we seem to report new publications on the subject. This month is no exception: two recent publications highlight the challenges and propose some solutions.