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Understanding Osteoporosis Risks and Prevention

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat affecting over 30 million Americans, 80% of whom are women. It is characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, leading to increased bone fragility and risk of fractures, especially in the hip, spine, and wrist. Certain factors increase one's risk, including being female, having a small frame, smoking, excessive alcohol use, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of osteoporosis. While bone loss occurs without symptoms, over half of women and one in eight men over age 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.

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11 views1 page

Understanding Osteoporosis Risks and Prevention

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat affecting over 30 million Americans, 80% of whom are women. It is characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, leading to increased bone fragility and risk of fractures, especially in the hip, spine, and wrist. Certain factors increase one's risk, including being female, having a small frame, smoking, excessive alcohol use, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of osteoporosis. While bone loss occurs without symptoms, over half of women and one in eight men over age 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.

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kim shinboo
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for


more than 30 million Americans, 80 percent of
whom are women. 25 million American women
and 5 million men have osteoporosis, and
millions more have low bone density. One in
every two women and one in eight men over
age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related
fracture in their lifetime.

What is
Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis, or porous
bone, is a disease
characterized by low
bone
mass
and
structural deterioration
of bone tissue, leading
to bone fragility and an
increased susceptibility
to fractures of the hip,
spine, and wrist. The
important factors that
affect the development
of osteoporosis are:
The peak bone mass you attain by about
age 30, and
The rate at which you lose bone from then
on. As you age, more bone is broken down
than is reformed, causing loss of density
and strength. The rate of bone loss
accelerates in women in the first five to
seven years after menopause.
Osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease"
because bone loss occurs without symptoms.
People may not know that they have
osteoporosis until their bones become so weak
that a sudden strain, bump, or fall causes a
fracture or a vertebra to collapse.
Collapsed vertebrae may initially be felt or
seen in the form of severe back pain, loss of
height, or spinal deformities such as kyphosis
or stooped posture.

Am I at Risk?
Certain people are more likely to develop
osteoporosis than others. Factors that increase
the likelihood of developing osteoporosis are
called "risk factors." The following risk factors
have been identified:

Being female.
Having a thin and/or small frame.
Having an absence of menstrual periods
(amenorrhea).
Having an inactive lifestyle.
Smoking cigarettes.
Using alcohol excessively.
Being Caucasian or Asian, although African
Americans and Hispanic Americans are at
significant risk as well.
Having anorexia nervosa or bulimia.
Eating a diet low in calcium.
Being of advanced age.
Having family members with osteoporosis.
Being postmenopausal, including early or
surgically induced menopause, without
hormone replacement.
Using certain medications, such as
corticosteroids (Prednisone, for example)
and anticonvulsants.
Having
low
testosterone levels
in men.

Women can lose up to


20% of their bone mass
in
the
5-7
years
following
menopause,
making
them
more
susceptible to osteoporosis.

Can It Be Prevented?
By about age 20, the average woman has
acquired 98% of her skeletal mass. Building
strong bones during childhood and adolescence
can be the best defense against developing
osteoporosis later. A comprehensive program
that can help prevent osteoporosis includes:
A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
(see reverse for calcium-rich foods)
Weight-bearing exercise (walking, jogging, or
lifting weights)
A healthy lifestyle with no smoking or
excessive alcohol or soft drink use, and
Bone density testing and medication when
appropriate.

This document was prepared by the staff of the UWSP University Health Service.
This information should not be used in lieu of medical care.
Last updated: September 2000
[Link]

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