What You Need To Know About Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a highly treatable and preventable disease if it is caught early. Unfortunately there is not enough awareness among both older and younger people about osteoporosis. A lot of people in fact, approximately 30 million American men and women, who suffer from this disease, did even know about it until they fractured some part of their body (hip, spine and wrist).

At present;

• Around 1.5 million people suffer from fractures caused by osteoporosis.
• By the age of 90, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 6 men will suffer some form of osteoporotic fracture.
• The lifetime risk of death from a hip fracture due to osteoporosis is equal to that of breast cancer in women (2.8%).

Osteoporosis is indeed a very serious condition. And the worst part is that until some one fractures their arm or leg or spine, they do not even know they have this disease. Thankfully there are steps and treatments one can take to avoid osteoporosis or at least slow this deadly disease down.

So Who Is At Risk For Developing Osteoporosis?

If you have more than one of the following risk factors the chances of you getting osteoporosis grow.

Sex – Women over the age of 50 have a very high risk for developing this disease. However, it is noteworthy to remember that osteoporosis is also found in men.

Age – The older you get the higher your risk for osteoporosis. Especially after the age of 50.

Race – Caucasian and Asian women are most likely to develop osteoporosis over their African or Hispanic counterparts.

Bone Structure & Weight – Thin small women have a greater risk of getting this disease. This is because they have less bone mass to lose.

Family History – If your parents or grandparents have any signs of osteoporosis, the chances for you getting this disease grow.

Lack Of Nutrition – You are more likely to develop osteoporosis if you lack calcium or vitamin D in your body, as they are the essential building blocks to healthier bones.

Lack Of Exercise – Inactive or sedentary people have a higher risk for this disease. Exercise not only keeps the body healthy but it also strengthens the bones.

Smoking – If you smoke, you have an increased risk for osteoporosis. Smoking affects nearly every part of the body and is a bad habit that should be given up.

Anorexia – If you have or have ever had anorexia, your risk for osteoporosis increases. Anorexia damages healthy bones and robs them of essential nutrients.