How much do you know about osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis affects men
and women but is most prevalent in women. More than half of the adult women of age 50 in the United States are already affected by this
disease.
Osteoporosis is a disease that affects the quantity and quality of your bones. It
is a debilitating condition where bones become fragile and are easily fractured.
Although there can be outward signs such as a forward-curving of the neck and spine
or a decrease in height, someone suffering from osteoporosis usually has no symptoms
until a bone break occurs.
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
- Gender: women have a much greater chance of developing osteoporosis due to thinner,
lighter bones and a decrease in estrogen that occurs during menopause.
- Age: fracture risks double every six to seven years after age 50.
- Heredity: if there is a history of osteoporosis in your family, you may have a higher
risk of getting the disease.
- Race: Caucasian and Asian women are at a higher risk for osteoporosis.
- Body Size: women with a low body weight (under 127 lbs.) and a small-boned frame
are at an increased risk.
- Lifestyle: a diet low in calcium with an inadequate supply of vitamin D; cigarette
smoking; excessive use of alcohol—all are risk factors. Lack of regular exercise
also increases your chance of getting osteoporosis.
Contact us at 336-474-3456 for more information about the care and treatment
of osteoporosis.