Osteoporosis: Awareness & Prevention
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease. It is characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone structure. With low bone mass, bones become weak and may break or fracture more easily. The most common fractures are of the hips, spine, and wrist. In fact, many people do not know they are affected until a fracture occurs as the disease progresses silently.
How Many People Are Affected?
It is estimated that 10 million Americans over the age of 50 have osteoporosis and another 34 million have low bone mass. This disease affects men and women of all ethnicities. The risk is highest in white and Asian women. However it still occurs in African American, Hispanic, American Indian and Alaska Native women. It also may occur in men. An estimated one in two women and one in four men over the age of 50 are predicted to have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
How Do I Know If I Have It?
The disease is diagnosed with a bone density test performed by a physician. The test uses x-rays or sound waves to measure the strength of the bones. It's safe, painless and quick (5-10 minutes). It can detect osteoporosis even before a fracture occurs and can predict the likelihood of a fracture occurring in the future.
What Can I Do to Prevent Osteoporosis?
National Osteoporosis Foundation Offers 5 Steps to Bone Health and Osteoporosis Prevention:
- Get your daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D
- Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
- Talk to your doctor about bone health
- Have a bone density test and take medication when appropriate
Sources:
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General, 2004,
- National Osteoporosis Foundation
