National Osteoporosis Foundation of South Africa (NOFSA)

17/09/2026

🧡🦴 World Patient Safety Day | 17 September

This year’s World Patient Safety Day theme is “Safe care for noncommunicable diseases”, with the message “Safe care for life!”

For people living with long-term conditions such as osteoporosis, patient safety matters at every stage of the journey — from early risk assessment and diagnosis to medication, monitoring, fracture prevention, and ongoing care.

At NOFSA, we believe safer care starts with informed, involved patients.

Ask questions. Understand your treatment. Know your risk. Speak up when something does not feel right. And work together with your healthcare team to make decisions about your bone health.

Safe care also means:

✔ Accurate and timely diagnosis
✔ Safe use of medication
✔ Clear communication between patients and healthcare providers
✔ Ongoing monitoring and follow-up
✔ Falls and fracture prevention
✔ Patients being active partners in their own care

WHO’s 2026 campaign specifically highlights the importance of involving people living with noncommunicable diseases as partners in safer care.

Because when it comes to osteoporosis, safe care is lifelong care.

www.osteoporosis.org.za

16/09/2026

🦴💜 Bonesy & Bonnie’s Falls Prevention Check

Bonesy thought getting up in the dark for a midnight glass of water was no big deal…

Bonnie switched on the light. 💡😉

This week’s reminder: good lighting is part of falls prevention.

As we get older, changes in vision, balance and depth perception can make it harder to spot steps, objects or changes in floor level — especially in dimly lit areas.

Bonnie’s checklist:

✔ Keep hallways and stairs well lit
✔ Use a bedside lamp or night light
✔ Make sure switches are easy to reach
✔ Clear the route between the bedroom and bathroom
✔ Replace bulbs that are too dim or no longer working

For someone with osteoporosis, preventing a fall can mean preventing a fracture.

So Bonesy, no more wandering around in the dark! 😄

See clearly. Move safely. P
www.osteoporosis.org.za

10/09/2026

🦴 Had a Fall? Don’t Ignore It.

Even if you feel “fine” afterwards, a fall is your body’s way of saying something may need attention.

It could be a sign of:

✔ Poor balance
✔ Muscle weakness
✔ Vision changes
✔ Medication side effects
✔ Low blood pressure
✔ Unsafe surroundings
✔ Reduced bone strength

For people at risk of osteoporosis, falls should never be brushed off as “just one of those things.”

Speak to your healthcare provider if you have fallen, feel unsteady, or are worried about your fracture risk. You may need a falls risk assessment, a DXA scan, treatment support, or guidance on safe movement.

A fall does not have to be the beginning of losing confidence.

With the right support, you can take action to protect your bones, your mobility, and your independence.

03/09/2026

🦴💜 Bonesy & Bonnie Say: Hold the Rail, Save the Fall

Bonesy was rushing down the stairs like he had somewhere very important to be…
Bonnie had one thing to say: “Use the handrail, Bonesy!”

It may seem simple, but stairs are one of the common places where falls can happen — especially when we are distracted, carrying too much, or moving too quickly.

Bonnie’s reminder:

✔ Hold the handrail
✔ Take your time
✔ Keep stairs well lit
✔ Avoid clutter on steps
✔ Wear shoes with good grip

Falls prevention is bone protection.

Because one small safety habit can help protect your bones, your confidence, and your independence.

Thanks for keeping Bonesy in line, Bonnie. 😉

31/08/2026

💜🦴 Women’s Month Reminder

“Women are often so busy caring for others that they forget to nourish themselves.”

This Women’s Month, we want to remind women that caring for your health does not have to start with something complicated.

Bone health is supported by small, consistent choices — nourishing food, enough protein, calcium, vitamin D, movement, rest, and listening to your body.

As women, we often carry so much for others. But our own strength matters too.

Strong bones and muscles help us move, live, give, work, love, and age with confidence.

So today, take one small step for your wellbeing.

Your future self will thank you. 💜

www.osteoporosis.org.za

28/08/2026

Teréza Hough, NOFSA’s CEO and a PWW Steering Committee member, is a strong advocate for policies that prioritize patient access to systematic fracture-risk assessment for women throughout their lifespans.

📣Member Spotlight📣

PWW is a global network of patient advocacy organizations working to advance women’s wellness and improve health outcomes around the world. Through its Member Voices series, PWW will spotlight the organizations and advocates driving meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

One of PWW’s dedicated members is the National Osteoporosis Foundation of South Africa (NOFSA), an organization committed to promoting lifelong bone health throughout South Africa.

Teréza Hough, NOFSA’s CEO and a PWW Steering Committee member, is a strong advocate for policies that prioritize patient access to systematic fracture-risk assessment for women throughout their lifespans.

PWW is proud to highlight the expertise of its members and their contributions to advancing women’s health globally.

Learn more about bone health at forwomenswellness.org and nofsa.co.za.

26/08/2026

📻🦴 Tune in to Bush Radio!

NOFSA CEO, Mrs Teréza Hough, will be joining Sakhisizwe – Building The Nation / Bou Die Nasie on Bush Radio 89.5 FM for an important conversation around osteoporosis, bone health awareness, and the work NOFSA is doing in South Africa.

📅 Monday, 31 August 2026
⏰ 12:30 PM
📍 Bush Radio 89.5 FM

Be sure to tune in and join the conversation as we continue raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and helping more South Africans understand the importance of strong bones for life.

20/08/2026

🦴 NOFSA 2026 MASTERCLASS SERIES | EPISODE 2

Join us for the next instalment of the NOFSA 2026 Masterclass Series as we explore an important and evolving area of men’s health:

The Continuum of Male Bone Health in the GLP-1 Era

Presented by Dr Zane Stevens, Specialist Physician & Endocrinologist, this session will examine the male bone health continuum, including:

• Recognising osteoporosis risk
• Hypogonadism and its impact on bone health
• Protecting bone health during weight loss
• When anabolic therapy should be considered

Dr Stanley Lipschitz, Physician, Geriatrician and NOFSA Council Vice-Chair, will facilitate the session and Q&A.

📅 Tuesday, 1 September 2026
🕕 18:00–19:00 SAST
💻 Virtual Masterclass
🎓 Earn 1 CEU

This educational event is intended for healthcare professionals.

👉 Register now and secure your place: https://eduxeed.cmail20.com/t/t-l-ydltktc-jrhkzhyyk-y/

Sponsored by Cipla | Presented by eduXeed

19/08/2026

🦴💊 Bonesy’s Bad Habits

Uh-oh… Bonesy nearly stopped his medication without asking his doctor.

Bonnie had to step in with an important reminder: osteoporosis medication should never be stopped, changed, or skipped without speaking to your healthcare provider first.

Treatment plans are there for a reason — and understanding yours can help you feel more confident and in control.

Before making changes, ask:

✔ What does this medication do?
✔ Why is it right for me?
✔ How long should I take it?
✔ What should I do if I have concerns?

Don’t be like Bonesy — ask questions, stay informed, and make decisions with your healthcare provider.

Because stronger bones begin with informed care.