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Osteoporosis
What is Osteoporosis?
The bone is a living tissue that is constantly replenishing
itself by adding new bone and removing old. During earlier years
(ages 20 to 30), new bone is being added faster than old bone is
removed. When a person reaches ages 30 to 45, new bone is made
at about the same rate as it is lost. If too much bone is
removed or not enough new bone is made (or both), osteoporosis
can develop. Twenty-three million American women, one-third of
the population, either have osteoporosis or low bone mass (osteoenia).
Of these, only 5% receive treatment.
Who is
effected by Osteoporosis?
One in two women and one
in eight men over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related
fracture in their lifetime. Over a million fractures occur
annually. Each year there will be more osteoporotic fractures in
women than stroke, heart attack, and breast cancer combined.
Who is at risk
for Osteoporosis?
Women past menopause, men
with decreased testosterone levels and people of Caucasian or
Asian descent. Also if you have low bone mass, a family history
of osteoporosis, broken bones from a minor injury, low body
weight or a thin/petite build.
Hormones protect against bone loss. Women contain the protective hormone estrogen and men have testosterone. When a woman starts to reach menopause, she may get irregular or absent menstrual periods, which indicate low estrogen levels.
Risk Factors
that you CAN change.
Implementing a healthy
eating plan. Bones need a diet rich in calcium. For example,
dairy products, some fruits, vegetables, and grains. A daily
requirement is 1000-1500 mg of calcium with vitamin D to promote
bone health. Physical activity helps maintain bone mass, improve
strength, balance and coordination. Smoking and alcohol should
be eliminated or kept to a minimum.
Risk
Factors that you CANNOT change.
Gender, age, family
history, ethnicity and body size.
How can I find out if I have Osteoporosis?. Have a bone density test done. There are many different treatment options available to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Each method may vary depending on the individual.