Kiwis called to top up their bones for Better Bones Week

Kiwis called to top up their bones for Better Bones Week

Media release – 15 October 2012

With more than half of New Zealand women over the age of 60 affected by osteoporosis[1] causing painful and debilitating fractures, AnchorTM Calci+ together with Osteoporosis New Zealand have developed an online bone health calculator to encourage Kiwis to ‘top up’ their bones during Better Bones Week, commencing 15 October.

The calculator, available at www.calciplus.co.nz, assesses the risk factors that may lead to osteoporosis via a short series of questions. The site also outlines tips for improving bone health by incorporating calcium, vitamin D plus exercise into your daily routine.

Osteoporosis New Zealand Spokesperson Dr Elizabeth Spellacy says: “There are more than 80,000 bone fractures a year caused by osteoporosis in New Zealand, which is greater than the incidence of heart attacks, stroke, and breast cancer combined[2] .”

“From as early in age as 25 years, we begin to lose bone faster than our new bone is formed. Bone loss occurs over a long period but if you take action early on, you’re going to be much better off later in life. The new bone health calculator is a great first step and will show you how you can easily top up,” says Dr Spellacy.

Nutritionist for AnchorTM brands, Mindy Wigzell, recommends a few simple measures to help keep bones healthy, including that women should aim to consume at least 800mg of calcium a day.

“AnchorTM Calci+ milk contains extra calcium and vitamin D, and drinking it is one easy way to up your calcium intake over the whole day. One 200mL glass[3] gives you 50 per cent of your daily calcium requirement,” says Ms Wigzell.

“Just as many of us apply sunscreen or moisturiser daily to protect the outside of our body, using AnchorTM Calci+ in your morning cup of coffee or cereal is a delicious way to make topping up your bones part of your daily routine.”

Better Bones Week takes place nationally from 15 to 21 October and aims to raise awareness of the importance of healthy bones for a healthy lifestyle.

For more information and to calculate your bone health visit www.calciplus.co.nz.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:
Kate Gilbert
Acumen Republic
+64 9 354 0568 / +64 27 547 9101 / kgilbert@acumenrepublic.com

About Calci +

AnchorTM Calci+ is low in fat and high in calcium - with 98% less fat and 72% more calcium than AnchorTM blue top milk. It offers 50% Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) for NZ Adults of calcium with one 200mL serve. AnchorTM Calci+ is full of all the good stuff for your bones like extra calcium plus added vitamin D and is available in 2L and 1L bottles.

AnchorTM Calci+ is the only dairy brand to partner with Osteoporosis NZ. For more information, visit http://anchor.co.nz/products/

About Better Bones Week

Osteoporosis New Zealand is celebrating Better Bones Week 15-21 October this year. This is an opportunity to reach out with a national focus to educate Kiwis on how they can build better bones for themselves and their families over their lifetime. Better Bones Week is vitally important in raising awareness of osteoporosis and what can be done to prevent it. Visit www.bones.org.nz for more information.

About Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a major New Zealand health issue that affects more than half of women and nearly a third of men over the age of 60. Osteoporosis is a disease in which the density and quality of bone is reduced, leading to weakness of the skeleton and increased risk of fracture. Osteoporosis and its associated fractures are an important cause of mortality and morbidity.

Osteoporosis, often referred to as the "silent epidemic", is a global problem that is increasing in significance as the population of the world both grows and ages.

About Osteoporosis New Zealand

Osteoporosis New Zealand is a national organisation established to reduce the incidence of osteoporosis in New Zealand. It was formed to raise awareness and knowledge of osteoporosis and to provide a national 'voice' for those with osteoporosis and those at risk. For more information, visit: http://www.bones.org.nz/

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[1] Brown P, McNeill R, Radwan E, Willingale J. The Burden of Osteoporosis in New Zealand: 2007-2020. Wellington: Osteoporosis New Zealand; 2007.

[2] Ibid.

[3] One 200 mL glass of AnchorTM Calci+ contains 400 mg of dairy calcium, which is approximately 50% of the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) for NZ Adults.

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