DID YOU KNOW…

Nearly 28 million people in the United States are affected by osteoporosis, which is responsible for 1.5 million fractures (broken bones) annually.

Background Information

The word osteoporosis literally means “porous bones.” It occurs when bones lose an excessive amount of their protein and mineral content, particularly calcium. Over time, bone mass, and therefore bone strength, is decreased. As a result, bones become fragile and break easily.

Osteoporosis is often called the “silent” disease, because bone loss occurs without symptoms. People often don’t know they have the disease until a bone breaks, frequently in a minor fall that wouldn’t normally cause a fracture. (Even a sneeze or a sudden movement may be enough to break a bone in someone with severe osteoporosis.) Breaks or fractures in the hip and spine are of special concern because they almost always require hospitalization and major surgery, and may lead to other serious consequences, including permanent disability and even death.

A number of factors increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. They include: ·

Age. Osteoporosis is more likely as people grow older and their bones lose tissue.

Gender. Women are more likely to have osteoporosis because they are smaller and so start out with less bone. They also lose bone tissue more rapidly as they age. While women commonly lose 30-50% of their bone mass over their lifetimes, men lose only 20-33% of theirs.

Race. Caucasian and Asian women are most at risk for the disease, but African American and Hispanic women can get it too.

Figure type. Women with small bones and those who are thin are more liable to have osteoporosis.

Early menopause. Women who stop menstruating early because of heredity, surgery or lots of physical exercise may lose large amounts of bone tissue early in life. Conditions such as anorexia and bulimia may also lead to early menopause and osteoporosis.

Lifestyle. People who smoke or drink too much, or don’t get enough exercise have an increased chance of getting osteoporosis.

Diet. Those who don’t get enough calcium or protein may be more likely to have osteoporosis. That’s why people who constantly diet are more prone to the disease.