It's more than old age that affects bone loss
Ten million Americans have osteoporosis, and an additional 18 million have low bone mass, placing them at risk for fractures, according to the Washington, DC-based National Osteoporosis Foundation. Even more troubling is that the foundation predicts this number - 28 million - will increase to 41 million by 2015, unless people take action to prevent the disease.
Those who suffer from osteoporosis have a 25% bone loss, compared with healthy young adults. That leads to an increased risk for fractures and causes pain, disability, deformity, and loss of independence.
Osteoporosis begins earlier in life, before fractures occur. Primary risk factors include:
· being female;
· being menopausal or postmenopausal;
· having a family history of osteoporosis or a personal history of fractures;
· having a small build;
· leading an inactive lifestyle;
· being Caucasian or Asian.
According to health care providers at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge, LA, women are at risk for bone loss if they:
· are long-term lactators (those who breast feed for more than a year or immediately become pregnant again after delivering a baby - allowing little time to replace their estrogen);
· experience premature menopause;
· take medications that induce osteoporosis, namely steroids or high doses of thyroid medication.
Men also can be vulnerable if they take certain medications or have diseases that cause bone loss.
The primary preventive actions for stopping osteoporosis include:
· a balanced diet, rich in calcium and vitamin D;
· weight-bearing exercise;
· a healthy lifestyle, including limited alcohol intake and not smoking;
· bone density testing and medication, when appropriate.
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