Championing Mobility
For twenty years, our hero brand Anlene has been at the forefront of the fight against osteoporosis in Indonesia, campaigning for bone health and mobility essential for a quality life.
49-year-old, Mrs. Nidar, first felt her knees ‘creak’ during her daily prayer, which for a Muslim, is a ritual that comprises several active movements - bowing, kneeling, and placing foreheads to the ground. She tried ignoring the pain, then enduring it and when it was no longer bearable, sought professional medical advice.
It turns out she has osteoporosis.
It’s why it’s called a ‘silent disease. Most people don’t know they have osteoporosis until the first fracture.
The condition is characterized by a decrease in bone density, quality, and strength, which increases the risk of fractures. And contrary to conventional wisdom, it can happen at any age, with bone breakdown starting as early as 25.
For two decades now, Anlene, together with Indonesia’s Ministry of Health and the country’s Osteoporosis Association (Perosi), has supported various osteoporosis prevention programs for Indonesians, endorsing a healthy and active lifestyle to reduce the risk of early bone loss. The “10,000 Steps Movement A Day” – a brainchild of the tripartite in 2002, is a much-anticipated event on the national agenda today, as an easy step for adults and the elderly to exercise.
Nearly a fifth of Indonesia’s population suffers from osteoporosis. And worldwide, one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 experience the condition, says the International Osteoporosis Foundation.
When the pandemic struck, we were undeterred. We turned the program online to reach more people through virtual events, encouraging the public to stay active at home, through digital challenges such as Move at home, Yoga Challenge, National Sports Day, 14 Days Challenge, and emphasizing the importance of nutrition in maintaining the freedom to move today and in the future.
The consumption of milk twice a day is one way to meet the recommended daily nutritional intake of calcium, collagen, and protein.
To commemorate its 20-year commitment to the cause, Anlene held a series of educational events and 11, 000 free mass health checks for bone, joint, and muscle density for free across the largest cities, Jakarta, Bandung, Medan, and Surabaya. This was the largest series of bone health checks in Indonesia.
The health checks are done via bone-scan machines, a small, easy-to-transport device that determines how healthy your bones are.
It has a slot where you place your foot, then two small "balloons" inflate and squeeze both sides of your heels to get an impression. The non-invasive procedure takes a few minutes after which you are categorized as "low risk, moderate risk, and high risk."
“As the number #1 adult milk in Indonesia, we see it as a responsibility to continue to help prevent osteoporosis here,” says Gayatri.
Overall, Anlene provides a unique bundle of nutrients that work synergistically to support total mobility and freedom of movement. “Age is no limit and prevention aside, we want, through Anlene, to inspire Indonesians to live their best lives”, she adds.
Eating a balanced diet by including nutritious food is required to support adults’ musculoskeletal health. Anlene™ ACTIFIT 3X™ and GOLD 5X™ are formulated specifically to complement a balanced diet which is important to support musculoskeletal health.
Prevention is better than Cure
Early prevention efforts and consistent education are needed in the form of routine health checks on bone, joint, and muscle density.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Health outlines 5 things you can immediately do to prevent osteoporosis:
- Increase physical activity. Do at least 30 minutes of physical activity 3 times a week, combining aspects of aerobics, flexibility, and body balance.
- Consume nutritious food to meet daily nutritional needs.
- Get enough sun exposure every day.
- Avoid unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking.
- Be aware of risk factors such as a family history of osteoporosis, other diseases, long-term drug use, early menopause, and significant height loss.