What is Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a global problem that affects tens of millions of people here in the USA. This disease is characterized by decreased bone mass and abnormal structure of the bone tissues. This causes increased fragility and risk of fracture. Some common injuries that can occur in people who have osteoporosis are fractures of the wrist, vertebrae, and hip.
Signs and Symptoms of Osteoporosis
There are no signs and symptoms in the early stages, but with disease progression it is common to have back pain, stooped posture, loss of height, and easily fractured bones.
Controllable Risk Factors–Long term steroid use, sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and an unhealthy diet can all increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.
- Diet – Low calcium intake, anorexia, gastrointestinal surgery, high sodium intake, and high caffeine intake can all contribute to the development of osteoporosis.
- Physical Activity – Safe physical activity helps to prevent and manage osteoporosis. Bones respond to the stresses that are put on them by reforming to resist those stresses and become stronger. Exercising 2-3 times a week is vital to the management and prevention of osteoporosis.
Uncontrollable Risk Factors
Gender (women have a higher risk than men), race (People of Caucasian or Asian decent have a higher risk), small body frame (smaller framed people have a higher risk), family history of osteoporosis, age (Risk of incidence increases with age), hormone levels (abnormal hormone levels can increase your risk).
Tips to Prevent Falls
Turn on the lights when walking at night, install grab-bars and bathroom modifications, and remove obstacles from the floor (rugs, power cords, toys, etc…).
Online Osteoporosis Risk Survey
http://www.betterbones.com/bonehealthprofile/
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/quiz_osteoporosis?Open
If you are concerned that you are at risk of developing osteoporosis speak with your primary care physician about it.