Did You Know? Approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis.
One in Two Women Will Break a Bone Due to Osteoporosis
Bones are living, growing tissue made up of three major components that make them flexible and strong. There are a variety of factors that increase your risk for osteoporosis – contrary to popular belief, it is not a normal part of aging. There is much you can do to protect your bones and prevent this condition.
Please read below to learn more about osteoporosis and for tips on prevention.
01 | Cause and Symptoms
The body constantly absorbs and replaces bone tissue. In cases of osteoporosis, however, new bone renewal doesn’t keep up with old bone breakdown. When this occurs, the bones become weak and brittle, causing even the slightest stresses like bending or coughing to cause fractures. Caucasian and Asian women carry a higher risk than other ethnicities.
The early stages of osteoporosis do not typically present with symptoms. Once the bones become weakened, common signs include:
02 | Prevention
Osteoporosis prevention starts during childhood. Implementing heathy habits early on can help promote general overall health and help to decrease your risk for developing osteoporosis later in life.
03 | Treatment
Treatment recommendations are based on the estimated risk of your breaking a bone in the next ten years. This is determined by means of a bone density test. If the risk is low, your medical provider may suggest lifestyle changes and safety precautions.
If your physician recommends medication, the most common types include bisphosphonates, denosumab and/or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women, all of which help to maintain bone density.
For additional resources on prevention and treatment options, please visit: www.nof.org
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/basics/definition/con-20019924
https://www.nof.org/about-us/building-awareness/national-osteoporosis-month/
