Osteoporosis is a serious condition
in which bones become thin, brittle and easily broken. The National
Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that more than 44 million Americans
have osteoporosis or low bone density placing them at risk for osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is called the "silent disease" because people
do not know that they have osteoporosis until their bones become
so weak that a sudden strain, bump, fall, or even a sneeze can cause
a fracture.
- Every year women have more osteoporosis-related fractures
than stroke, heart attack and breast cancer combined.
- Half of all women and 20% of all men will have an osteoporosis-related
fracture in their lifetime.
- About $38 million is spent on osteoporotic and associated
fractures each day in the U.S. and the cost is rising.
- Osteoporosis is an under-diagnosed and under-treated condition
and it gets increasingly worse without intervention.
- Significant risk has been reported in people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds.
- Although osteoporosis is thought of as an older persons' disease, it can strike at any age.
Risk Factors: You are at increased risk for osteoporosis
if you are:
- Female
- Your risk is even greater if you are postmenopausal (no
longer menstruating or you’ve had your ovaries removed)
or
- You have an abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea).
- Caucasian (white) or Asian populations are at greatest risk
(although Hispanic Americans and African American are also at
risk)
- Thin and/or have a small frame
- Over 50 years of age
- Physically inactive
- Smoke
- Have more than 2 alcoholic beverages a day
- Male and have low testosterone levels
- Have a family history of osteoporosis
- Have a diet low in calcium
- Use medications such as corticosteroids used to treat asthma
or arthritis, anticonvulsants, certain cancer treatments or aluminum-containing
antacids
- Have Anorexia nervosa or bulimia
Find
Out Your Risk For Osteoporosis Self-Risk Assessment
If results indicate you are at risk, talk to your doctor about
bone health.
- Consider having a bone density test.
- Modify the risk factors you can change.
Prevention
The key to preventing osteoporosis is to eat calcium-rich foods
and increase physical activity by doing weight-bearing or resistance
exercises to build bone mass.
- Maintain your bone mass as you get older by eating foods
high in calcium and vitamin D.
- Do weight-bearing or resistance activities:
Weight-bearing exercises use the weight
of the body to work against gravity. Your bones respond to this
force by growing stronger. (Examples are walking, jogging, dancing,
hiking, stair climbing and aerobic exercises).
Resistance exercises generate muscle tension on the bones to strengthen
muscles and stimulate bones to grow stronger. (Examples are free
weights, exercise machines and resistance bands).
- Live a healthy lifestyle - exercise regularly, limit alcohol
and avoid smoking.
- Speak with your doctor about steps to help keep your bones
strong, including medications you can take to prevent the disease.
Resources
for
more information on osteoporosis
|
Health
& Wellness
