What is Osteoporosis?
Risk Factors
Post Menopausal Women
Osteoporosis for Men
From left: Guest of Honour Mr Heng Chee How, Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office, and Osteoporosis Society President Dr Lau Tang Ching
Click here for more pictures!
Osteoporosis literally means 'porous bones'. Porous bones are also brittle bones which can break even after minor trauma. Sites commonly affected are the lower forearm near the wrist, the spine and the hip.
Osteoporosis is a common problem which is likely to increase in the years to come because of a rapidly aging population. The population in Singapore is going to become more aged in the next twenty years and osteoporosis will become an even more significant problem in future.
Risk factors include old age, being females, having reached the menopause, having ovaries surgically removed, having both ovaries surgically removed, having a small build, taking too little calcium in the diet, being sedentary, on long term steroid medications, drinking excessive alcohol and smoking.
All men and women could be at risk. Some are at higher risk than others. The risk factors include:
A diet that does not have enough calcium or vitamin D
Certain illnesses e.g. rheumatoid arthritis
Certain medicine e.g. corticosteroids, thyroid medication
Information for Male Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis Society (Singapore) is a non-profit organization. The society is registered and domiciled in Singapore under the charities act, 1994. The registered office of Osteoporosis Society (Singapore) is located at c/o Dept of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Moulmein Road, Singapore 308433
The principal activities of the society is to promote public awareness and knowledge of osteoporosis through community services and activities, public forums and educational programmes.
Our Objectives
The Committee
Constitution
Board of Consultants
Report
2009
2008
2007
Special Interest Group Meeting
Welfare & Beneficiaries
Upcoming Meeting Schedule
Objectives:
1. To promote the interest of osteoporosis and its related topics amongst health care professionals in Singapore.
2. To provide a platform for the sharing of osteoporosis related knowledge and research interest or findings.
3. To improve networking and collaborative efforts between different specialties and interest groups.
4. To enhance the overall management of osteoporosis and its related problems in Singapore.
Who should attend:
Health Care Professionals who have a special interest in osteoporosis and its related issues.
Letters of invitation will be send to Head of Departments of Endocrinology, O&G, Rheumatology, Geriatric, Orthopaedic, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy of the all the restructured hospitals. Invitations will also be made to clinicians and other health care professionals who may have a special interest in osteoporosis.
Frequency of meeting:
4 to 6 times a year
Time:
One of the weekdays evening from 7.30 to 9.30 pm
Tentative program:
6.30 pm to 7.30 pm : Tea reception
7.30 pm to 8.15 pm : Case discussions/ sharing of research
8.15 pm to 9.00 pm : Topical review
9.00 pm to 9.30 pm : General discussion
Tentative venue:
Hotel Asia - Scott's Cafe
Saturday 24 August 2009 - Treat or Trip?
Venue: Gardenia Room, Mezzanine Level, Tower Wing, Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, Orange Grove Road, (S) 258350
Time: 12.30pm-3pm
Chairperson: Prof Shamal Des De
Topics Speakers
Addressing the challenges of osteoporosis patient care: Dr Leong KengHong
Is there a right way?
New perspective in effective management of osteoporosis: Vitamin D and its current role.
Q&A: Prof Shamal Das De
Contact Person: Samuel Koh
Contact No: 98532367
Email: samuel_koh_merck.com
CME points pending
Saturday 2 May 2009 - Osteoporosis: Emerging Thoughts on current therapies
Speakers: Dr Manju Chandran and Dr Eugene Lim
Previous Meetings
Back
Patients in need of:
1. Wheelchairs
2. Motorised Beds
3. Medical Subsidies
4. Transport for Rehabilitation treatment
5. Any other needs, on a case by case basis subject to approval by our Welfare Committee
Welfare Form Download
Important Guidelines for Medical Welfare Application
*Note
1) Ensure the applicants meet the criteria as listed in the guidelines before making any applications.
2) All welfare applications are strictly by postage only. Applications by fax will not be accepted.
(For Application by Medical Social Worker only)
Self-Assessment Tool (OSTA)
Exhibition Panel on Osteoporosis
Key Data and Figures Related to Osteoporosis
Treatment of Osteoporosis
If you are a post-menopausal women, click on this chart to find out your risk of osteoporosis.
Download education panels on Osteoporosis. Available in English and Chinese
Key Data - Worldwide
Approximately 200 million women worldwide suffer from osteoporosis
In Europe and the United States, it is estimated that one third of all women over 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture at some point of their lives.
Approximately 1.7 million hip fractures annually are attributed to osteoporosis.
A woman's risk of hip fracture is equivalent to her combined risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.
Key Data - Singapore
Proportion of population over the age of 65 is projected to increase approximately 3-fold from 6% to 19% from the period of 1990 to 2030.
In the 3 decades since the 1960s, the number of osteoporotic hip fractures in Singapore has increased 5-fold to 403 cases per 100,000 population in women over the age of 50.
Number of osteoporotic hip fractures in women over the age of 50 is 8-fold more than the number of breast cancer cases.
402 cases of osteoporotic hip fractures vs 53 cases of breast cancer in terms of 100,000 population.
Osteoporosis can be treated. There are now effective medicine that can increase your bone density and reduce your risk of fractures.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Almost everyone taking medicine for osteoporosis is given calcium for vitamin D supplements. This is to make sure that the body has enough of these substances to allow the specific osteoporosis medicines to work as well as they can. However calcium alone is not an effective treatment for osteoporosis.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Latest large scale clinical study* has concluded that there are risks with the long term use of combined HRT. Women whose sole indication for using HRT is the prevention of osteporosis should be aware that there are currently many non-HRT alternatives (like bisphosphonates and SERMS) which may be effective both in the prevention as well as the treatment of osteoporosis.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMS)
These medication are especially useful for treating and preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, by countering the effect of reduced estrogen levels in causing bone loss. SERMS has been shown to reduce the incidences of spine fractures. The most common side effect of SERMS is menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. They should not be used in women who have a high risk of blood clotting diseases.
Bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonates are especially useful for treating and preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. They work for repairing weakened bone and hence increase bone mass and bone strength. As a result, incidences of fractures at both spine and hip are reduced. Some Bisphosphonates can be used to treat and prevent osteoporosis caused by certain medications. In addition, there is now a bisphosphonate that can be used for the treatment of osteoporosis in men.
For added convenience, bisphosphonates now comes in a once-weekly tablet i.e. you only have to take it once a week.
The main side effect of some bisphosphonates in oesophagitis which can present itself as symptoms of heartburn, This can be avoided by remaining seated or standing for about half an hour after taking the medicine.
*Writing group of the Women's Health Initiative Investigators. Risks and benefits of oestrogen plus progesterone in healthy postmenopausal women: Principal results for the Women's Health Initiative randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2002; 288(3): 321-333.
Note: The above information is only a guide to the wide variety of treatment available for people with osteoporosis. Please consult your doctor to discuss which will be the most suitable one for you.
The society organises regular activities such as health talks to empower our members with knowledge and skills not only on the prevention and management of osteoporosis but on general health as well.
IOF Regionals - 1st Asia-Pacific Osteoporosis Meeting
Singapore, December 10-13, 2010
Click on link for more information!
http://www.iofbonehealth.org/singapore-2010.html
Saturday 24th October 2009World Osteoporosis Day 2009 Celebrations
Guest of Honor: Mr Heng Chee How, Minister of State
Highlights: Prime Ministers Office Public Forum in English and Mandarin and many Fringe activities including Screening and Falls Assessment.
Time: 12pm5pm
Venue: KK Womens and Childrens Hospital
Fully BookedThank You for your enthusiastic support.
Sat 7 March 2009 - Osteoporosis Medication Update
By Dr Leong Keng Hong Gleneagles Medical Centre
February 2009, Friday - Chinese New Year Celebrations
Time: 7pm
Attractions:
1. Lion Dance
2. Chinese Mask Changing
3. Chinese Martial Arts
4. Auspicious Sounding Buffet Spread
Many more fun happenings!
20 Dec 2008 - Year End Celebration for members and invited supporters only. High Tea included.
Time: 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm
24th of May 2008 Tai Chi for Osteoporosis Public Forum by Dr. Paul Lam
Venue: Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan. No.97, Tank Road Singapore 238066
Time: 2pm 5pm
For Registration Enquiries please contact Catherine Chua
Tel: 64966915 (Mon Fri, 8.30am 5.30pm)
Free Admission, Refreshments provided.
29 and 30 September 2007 - Osteoporosis Risks Assessment and Screening
Venue : HDB Hub Toa Payoh
Time :
Saturday 29th September From 10 am To 8 pm
Sunday 30th September From 10am To 7pm
Mandarin Translation Available
Archived Activities
Members of the society would get to attend social and educational activities such as talks, seminars at discounted rate.
Refer to our CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES for the programmes which we have organized.
Memberships are divided into 4 categories. As listed below:
1. Ordinary members
Applicable to everyone (<60 years old) who are residing in Singapore and have interest to know more on health- related matters especially in the areas of osteoporosis.
2. Retiree members
Applicable to everyone (>60 years old ) who are residing in Singapore and have interest to know more on health- related matters especially in the areas of osteoporosis.
3. Life members
Applicable to everyone who are residing in Singapore and have interest to know more on health- related matters especially in the areas of osteoporosis.
4. Corporate members
Any suitable corporate body interested in the work of the Society and in the promotion of the awareness and prevention of osteoporosis may join the Osteoporosis Society (Singapore) as a corporate member. It is upon the decision of the committee to decide whether to award membership to the applicants. Corporate members shall not use their affiliation with the Association for commercial gain or product endorsement.
Application Form Download HERE!
Other Osteoporosis Societies overseas:
Other Useful Links:
Osteoporosis Society (Singapore)
Marine Parade Post Office
P O Box 648
Singapore 914405
Tel: 6345 3435
Fax: 6345 3730
Email your enquiries or questions to us
Some of the services provided by the Osteoporosis Society of Singapore include:
1. Educational Talks
2. Osteoporosis Risk Assessment and Screening
CONSTITUTION OF OSTEOPOROSIS SOCIETY (SINGAPORE)
NAME
1.This Society shall be known as the Osteoporosis Society (Singapore), hereinafter referred to as the Society.
PLACE OF BUSINESS
2.Its place of business shall be at c/o Department of Rheumatology and
Immunology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Moulmein Road, Singapore 308433 or such other address as may subsequently be decided upon by the Committee and approved by the Registrar of Societies. The Society shall carry out its activities only in places and premises which have the prior written approval from the relevant authorities, where necessary.
OBJECTS
3.Its objects are:
a)To encourage, promote and support research related to the prevention,
diagnosis, causes and treatment of osteoporosis
b)To collect, compile and disseminate accurate and updated information
Regarding all aspects of osteoporosis, and to carry out regular and
effective public education programmes.
c) To establish and operate programmes rendering moral support,
encourage and financial assistance to needy patients and/or their
families.
d)To recommend and assist in the formulation of such legislation as may be
required to assist and improve services to those suffering from
osteoporosis
e)To co-operate with all relevant public and private agencies in services for
persons at risk or suffering from osteoporosis
f) To Campaign for, receive, hold and apply funds, gifts, bequests and
endowments or proceeds thereof, to any of the purposes described in
these objects.
g)Generally to do what may be required to give effect and carry forward the
purposes of this Society without discriminating against any person or organisation because of race and religion.
MEMBERSHIP
4.Membership consists of the following categories:
a.Ordinary Member
All persons of any race, religion or sex resident in Singapore shall be eligible to apply for ordinary membership of the Society and shall upon admission pay the entrance fee, if any, and the prescribed subscription.
b.Life Member
All persons entitled to apply for ordinary membership may apply for life membership of the Society and shall upon admission pay the entrance fee, if any, and the prescribed subscription.
c.Corporate Member
All firms, companies, organisations and institutions who subscribe to the objects of the Society shall be entitled to apply for corporate membership of the Society and shall upon admission pay the entrance fee, if any, and the prescribed subscription. Such members shall have no voting rights and cannot hold office. Such members may nominate two representatives each to the society.
d.Honorary Member
Honorary membership shall be offered to persons who have made notable contributions towards the objects of the Society and they shall be elected to such membership by the Executive Committee of the Society. Such persons shall have no voting rights and cannot hold office.
5.Only members who are above 18 years of age shall have the right to vote and to
hold office in the Society.
6.A person wishing to join the Society should submit his particulars to the Secretary on a prescribed form. A new member must be proposed and seconded by existing members. The Committee will decide on the application for membership and without assigning any reason whatsoever, the Committee may refuse application. A copy of the constitution shall be furnished to every approved member upon payment of the entrance fee.
ENTRANCE FEES, SUBSCRIPTIONS AND OTHER DUES
7.There is no entrance fee required.
8.Annual subscriptions are payable as follows:
For Ordinary members- $ 20
For Corporate members- $500
For Life members- $150 (one-time subscription)
9.For retiree members, the annual subscription is reduced by half.
10.Annual subscriptions are payable in advance in the month of January of each year. If a member falls into arrears with his (including the female gender) subscriptions and other dues, he shall be informed immediately by the Treasurer. If he fails to settle his arrears within six months of the due date, the Committee may decide either to cancel his membership or suspend membership of defaulting members until their outstanding accounts are paid in full.
11.Any additional fund for special purposes may only be raised from members with the consent of the general meeting of the members.
SUPREME AUTHORITY AND GENERAL MEETINGS
12.The supreme authority of the Society is vested in a general meeting of the members presided over by the President.
13.An Annual General Meeting shall be held in the month of July of each year.
14.At other times, an Extraordinary General Meeting must be called by the President on the request in writing of not less than one-quarter of the total voting membership or 30 voting members whichever is the lesser and may be called anytime by order of the Committee. The notice in writing shall be given to the Secretary setting forth the business that is to be transacted. The Extraordinary General Meeting shall be convened within two months from receiving this request to convene the Extraordinary General Meeting.
15.If the Committee does not within two months after the date of the receipt of the written request proceed to convene an Extraordinary General Meeting, the members who requested for the Extraordinary General Meeting shall convene the Extraordinary General Meeting by giving ten days notice to voting members setting forth the business to be transacted and simultaneously posting the agenda on the Societys Notice Board.
16.At least two weeks notice shall be given of an Annual General Meeting and at least 10 days notice of an Extraordinary General Meeting. Notice of meeting stating the date, time and place of meeting shall be sent by the Secretary to all voting members. The particulars of the agenda shall be posted on the Societys notice board four days in advance of the meeting.
17.The following points will be considered at the Annual General Meeting:
a.The previous financial years accounts and annual report of the Committee.
b.Where applicable, the election of office-bearers and Honorary Auditors for the following term.
18.Any member who wishes to place an item on the agenda of a general meeting may do so provided he gives notice to the Secretary one week before the meeting is due to be held.
19.At least one-quarter of the total voting membership or 30 voting members, whichever is the lesser, present at a general meeting shall form a quorum.
20.In the event of there being no quorum at the commencement of a general meeting, the meeting shall be adjourned for half an hour and should the number then present be insufficient to form a quorum, those present shall be considered a quorum, but they shall have no power to amend any of the existing Rules.
MANAGEMENT AND COMMITTEE
21.The administration of the Society shall be entrusted to a Committee consisting of the following to be elected at each alternate General Meetings:
A President
A Vice-President
A Secretary
A Treasurer
Six Committee Members
22.Names of the above offices shall be proposed and seconded at the Annual General Meeting and election will follow on a simple majority vote of the members. All office bearers, except the Treasurer, may be re-elected to the same or related post for a consecutive term of office. The terms of office of the Committee is two years.
23.Election will be either by show of hands or subject to the agreement of the majority of the voting members present, by secret ballots. In the event of a tie, the Chairman of the meeting shall have a casting vote.
24.A Committee meeting shall be held as often as may be required but no less than once in every three months after giving seven days notice to Committee members. The President may call a committee meeting at any time by giving five days notice. At least half of the Committee Members must be present for its proceedings to be valid.
25.Any member of the Committee absenting himself from three meetings consecutively without satisfactory explanations shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the Committee and a successor may be co-opted by the Committee to serve until the next Annual General Meeting. Any change in the Committee shall be notified to the Registrar of Societies and the Commissioner of Charities within two weeks of the change.
26.The duty of the Committee is to organise and supervise the daily activities of the Society. The Committee may not act contrary to the expressed wishes of the general meeting without prior reference to it and always remains subordinate to the general meetings.
27.The Committee may at its discretion appoint a Board of Consultants not exceeding six in number. Appointment to the Board of Consultants shall be by invitation from the Committee to persons interested in the field of osteoporosis and/or the Society and its activities. The Board shall consider and advise the Committee on such matters as may be referred to it from time to time. In addition, the Board shall hold a watching brief on the professional aspects of the Societys work and shall tender such advice as it may deem fit to the Committee from time to time.
28.The Committee has the power to authorise the expenditure of any sum of money standing to the credit of the Society for the objects of the Society subject to such limits as may be imposed on such expenditure by the General Meetings from time to time.
DUTIES OF OFFICE-BEARERS
29.The President shall act as Chairman at all general and committee meetings. He
Shall also represent the Society in dealings with outside persons.
30.The Vice President shall assist the President and deputise for him in his absence.
31.The Secretary shall keep all records, except financial, of the Society and shall be responsible for their correctness. He will keep minutes of all general and committee meetings. He shall maintain an up-to-date Register of Members at all times.
32.The Treasurer shall keep all funds and collect and disburse all moneys on behalf of the Society and shall keep an account of all monetary transactions and shall be responsible for their correctness. He is authorised to expend up to $500 per month for petty expenses on behalf of the Society. He will not keep more than $500 in the form of cash and money in excess of this will be deposited in a bank to named by the Committee. Cheques etc for withdrawals from the bank will be signed by the Treasurer and either by the President or the Vice President or the Secretary.
33.Ordinary Committee Members shall assist in the general administration of the Society and perform duties assigned by the Committee from time to time.
AUDIT AND FINANCIAL YEAR
34.Two voting members, not being members of the Committee, shall be elected as Honorary Auditors at alternate Annual General Meetings and will hold office for two years only and shall not be re-elected for a consecutive term. They:
a.Will be required to audit each years accounts and present a report upon them to the Annual General Meeting.
b.May be required by the President to audit the Societys accounts for any period within their tenure of office at any date and make a report to the Committee.
35.The financial year shall be from 1st May to 30th April.
TRUSTEES
36.If the Society at any time acquires any immovable property, such property shall be vested in trustees subject to a declaration of trust.
37.The trustees of the Society shall:
a.Not be more than four and not less than two in number.
b.Be elected by a general meeting of members.
c.Not effect any sale or mortgage of property without the prior approval of the general meeting of members.
38.The office of the trustee shall be vacated:
a.If the trustee dies or becomes a lunatic or of unsound mind.
b.If he is absent from the Republic of Singapore for a period of more than one year.
c.If he is guilty of misconduct of such a kind as to render it undesirable that he/she continues as a trustee.
d.If he submits notice of resignation from his trusteeship.
39.Notice of any proposal to remove a trustee from his trusteeship or to appoint a new trustee to fill a vacancy must be given by posting it on the notice board in the Societys premises at least two weeks before the general meeting at which the proposal is to be discussed. The result of such general meeting shall then be notified to the Registrar of Societies and the Commissioner of Charities.
40.The addressees of immovable properties, names of trustees and any subsequent change must be notified to the Registrar of Societies.
PROHIBITIONS
41a.Gambling of any kind, whether for stakes or not, is forbidden on the Societys premises. The introduction of materials for gambling or drug taking and of bad characters into the premises is prohibited.
b.The funds of the Society shall not be used to pay the fines of members who have been convicted in court.
c.The Society shall not engage in any trade union activity as defined in any written law relating to trade unions for the time being in force in Singapore.
d.The Society shall not attempt to restrict or interfere with trade or make directly or indirectly any recommendation to, any arrangement with its members which has the purpose or is likely to have the effect of fixing or controlling the price or any discount, allowances or rebate to any goods or service which adversely affect consumer interests.
e.The Society shall not indulge in any political activity or allow its funds and/or premises to be used for political purposes.
f.The Society shall not hold any lottery, whether confined to its members or not, in the name of the Society or its office-bearers, Committee or members unless with the prior approval of the relevant authorities.
g.The Society shall not raise funds from the public for whatever purposes without the prior approval in writing of the Head, Licensing Division, Singapore Police Force and other relevant authorities.
AMENDMENTS TO RULE
42.No alteration or addition/deletion to these rules shall be made except at a general meeting and with the consent of two-thirds of the voting members present at the general meeting, and they shall not come into force without the prior sanction of the Registrar of Societies and the Commissioner of Charities.
INTERPRETATION
43.In the event of any question or matter pertaining to day-to-day administration which is not expressly provided for in the rules, the Committee shall have power to use their own discretion. The decision of the Committee shall be final unless it is reversed at a general meeting of members.
DISPUTES
44.In the event of any dispute arising amongst members, they shall attempt to resolve the matter at an Extraordinary General Meeting in accordance with the rules in the constitution. Should the members fail to resolve the matter, they may bring the matter to a court of law for settlement.
DISSOLUTION
a.The Society shall not be dissolved, except with the consent of not less than three-fifth of the ttotal voting membership of the Society for the time being resident in Singapore expressed, either in person or by proxy, at a general meeting convened for the purpose.
bIn the event of the Society being dissolved as provided above, all debts and liabilities legally incurred on behalf of the Society shall be fully discharged, and the remaining funds will be
donated to charity or charities in Singapore which is or are registered under the Charities Act as the general meeting of members may determine.
c.A Certificate of Dissolution shall be given within seven days of the dissolution to the Registrar of Societies and the Commissioner of Charities.
END
Committee members 2008 to 2010
President
Prof Lau Tang Ching
Vice-President
Dr Chionh Siok Bee
Treasurer
Maggie Chan
Secretary
Louisa Zhang
Committee Members
Dr Leonard Koh
Dr Manju Chandran
Dr Tan Seang Beng
Dr Teng Gim Gee
Nancy Chen
Lena Lye
