What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the density and quality of bone are reduced, leading to weakness of the skeleton and increased risk of fracture, particularly of the spine, hip and wrist. Osteoporosis is a global public health problem which currently affects approximately one in three women and one in five men

What Causes Osteoporosis?

There are many risk factors that can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis; some you can change and others you can’t.

Risk factors you cannot change include:

• Gender - women get osteoporosis more often than men.
• Age - the older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis.
• Body size - small, petite women are at greater risk.
• Ethnicity – Caucasian and Asian women are at highest risk. African-American and Hispanic women have a lower risk.
• Family history - osteoporosis tends to run in families. If a family member has osteoporosis or breaks a bone, there is a greater chance that you will, too.

Can Osteoporosis Be Prevented?

The National Institutes of Health recommends several steps you can take to help keep your bones healthy.

• Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid smoking and excess drinking

Nutrition

A healthy diet includes calcium and vitamin D, which helps make your bones strong. Many people get less than half the calcium they need. Good sources of calcium are:

• Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese
• Foods with added calcium such as orange juice, cereals, and breads.

Exercise

Exercise helps your bones grow stronger. To increase bone strength, you can:

• Take a long walk
• Go for a hike
• Jog or run
• Climb stairs
• Lift weights

Talking to your doctor about osteoporosis, your fracture risk and treatment options is an important part of managing your bone health.

Attend our next free community osteoporosis screening.