In recognition of World Osteoporosis Day, marked annually on October 20, Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Tobacco Control Center head has warned about the link between smoking and osteoporosis and urged smokers to take advantage of smoking cessation services.
Dr Ahmad al-Mulla said smoking is known to increase the risk for osteoporosis in both males and females.
“Smoking decreases the body’s absorption of calcium, which is necessary for vital cellular functions and good bone health. Smoking also affects the balance of hormones in the body, including estrogen, which is needed to build and maintain a strong skeletal system in women,” he explained.
Dr al-Mulla said there is growing evidence that smoking delays bone healing and noted that smokers take longer to heal from fractures than those who do not smoke. He said smoking is also known to decrease the effectiveness of vitamin D, which is required for optimal calcium absorption and essential to good bone health.
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, HMC’s Tobacco Control Center has continued to provide support for tobacco-dependent patients through telephone-based consultations. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Center has increased its operating capacity threefold, providing the public with greater access to smoking cessation services.
Dr al-Mulla is urging smokers to consider quitting, saying they should contact HMC’s Tobacco Control Center to learn more about services available. HMC’s Tobacco Control Center can be contacted at 4025 4981 or 5080 0959.
Dr Ahmad al-Mulla
