 Q: What is osteoporosis?
A: According to the NOF, it is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and a consequent increase in fracture risk; bone density 2.5 or more standard deviations below the young normal mean (T-score above -1). Q: How prevalent is osteoporosis? A: In the U.S. approximately 10 million people have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and 18 million have been found to have low bone mass. One third to one half of all postmenopausal women will develop osteoporosis. One third of all women over 50 will suffer from a fracture related to osteoporosis. Q: Is osteoporosis a serious disease? A: Yes. In the U.S. approximately 1.5 million fractures occur annually as a result of osteoporosis. Of these, 500,000 are vertebral fractures, 275,000 are hip and 200,000 are wrist. About 50,000 deaths occur annually as a result of fractures. In 1995, osteoporosis accounted for 432,000 hospitalizations, 2.5 million physician visits and 180,000 nursing home admissions. Q: What are the risk factors for developing osteoporosis? A: - Being female
- Being postmenopausal
- Advanced age
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Diet low in calcium
- Use of certain medications (steroids, anticonvulsants)
- Inactive lifestyle
- Cigarette smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
Q: Can men develop osteoporosis? A: Yes. There are many risk factors besides menopause for the development of osteoporosis. For example: small, thin frame, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, steroid use, etc. Q: Can certain medications put me at increased risk for osteoporosis? A: Please consult your physician in regards to possible side effects of the drugs you are taking. Q: Can other diseases/health conditions put me at increased risk for osteoporosis? A: Please consult your doctor to find out what specific diseases or health conditions may put you at increased risk for osteoporosis. Q: What can I do to help prevent osteoporosis? A: Regular weight bearing exercise, low to moderate alcohol consumption, elimination of smoking, routine medical checkups and diet and/or supplements with adequate daily calcium. Click here to order the Bone-Loss Analysis Test Kit Click here to take our Osteoporosis Assessment
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