According to a report released today, one in six Australians is affected by osteoporosis or arthritis.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has found that over 3 million Australians are affected with arthritis, including one third of people over 65.

Spokeswoman Tracy Dixon says although osteoarthritis is the most common form, 400,000 people are affected by rheumatoid arthritis.

“About 600,000 Australians have been diagnosed with osteoporosis based on self-reported information,” she said.

“But because many people are undiagnosed, because osteoporosis doesn’t have any symptoms, we believe that the actual number is actually much higher than that.”

According to Ms Dixon although usually associated with the elderly, around one in 1,000 children are diagnosed with juvenile arthritis.

“It can really affect them quite profoundly in some cases,” she said.

“It impacts on their going to school, on their being able to play with other children, being able to participate in sport, basic things like holding a pen can be very difficult.”

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/12/17/2448404.htm?section=justin