Osteoporosis, bone density, health, calcium supplements

Facts on osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone wekening condition that affects both men and women.
People with osteoporosis have brittle bones, which increases the risk of bone fracture, particularly in the hip, spine, and wrist. Osteoporosis is most common in postmenopausal Asian and Caucasian women. Premenopausal women are partially protected against bone loss by the hormone called estrogen. Black women often have slightly greater bone mass than do other women, which helps protect against bone fractures. In men, testosterone partially protects against bone loss even after middle age. Beyond issues of race, age, and gender, incidence varies widely from society to society, suggesting that osteoporosis is largely preventable.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a silent disease that may not be noticed until a broken bone occurs. Signs may include diminished height, rounded shoulders, dowager's hump, and evidence of bone loss from diagnostic tests. Symptoms may include neck or back pain.

Are you at risk?

Many factors contribute to the development of osteoporosis, some are those that you can change, others you cannot

Risk factors you can change:

• Diet- A healthy diet rich in important nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D and magnesium are needed for strong bones. The average adult age 19-50 should consume 1000 mg of calcium each day.

• Medications- The long-term use of certain medications can lead to a loss of bone density. It is important to discuss the use of these drugs with your physician. Never stop or alter your medication dose on your own.

• Lifestyle- Exercise is an essential factor in achieving and maintaining bone health. Regular physical activity has shown to help maintain and even increase bone density and can protect against age-related bone loss in maturing adults.

• Hormone Levels- Abnormal hormone levels such as absence of menstrual periods, low estrogen levels or low testosterone in men can impact your risk of developing osteoporosis

Risk factors you cannot change:

• Gender- Women have a much greater risk of developing osteoporosis because they have less bone tissue and lose bone more rapidly than men. Osteoporosis affects approximately 44 million Americans, 68% of whom are women.

• Age- As you age, your bones become less dense. In the first years after menopause, your bone loss is most rapid; therefore, the older you are the greater your risk of developing osteoporosis.

• Body Size- Small, thin-boned women are at greater risk.

• Ethnicity- Caucasian and Asian women are at highest risk than African-American or Latino women.

• Family history- People whose parents have a history of fractures also sem to have reduced bone mass and may be at risk for fractures.

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