What is Osteoporosis?
What is osteoporosis and
how can it affect a person’s life? This is a question an estimated
10 million Americans likely ask themselves once they are diagnosed
with the debilitating disease.
First, the disease itself: Osteoporosis is a condition where the
bones become porous resulting in their weakening. Sufferers have
low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue which
can lead to fractures of the hip, spine and wrist.
Some may wonder what is osteoporosis
caused by and who is mostly at risk. The disease is a health risk
to roughly 44 million Americans, according to the National Osteoporosis
Foundation. It can be caused by a variety of things like having
certain diseases, suffering from eating disorders or not getting
enough calcium and vitamin D during childhood and teen years.
Women are mostly at risk since they make up 80 percent of those
with osteoporosis. Who has the disease?
- 20 percent of Asian women aged 50 and older
- 20 percent of white women aged 50 or older
- 10 percent of Hispanic women aged 50 and
older
- 3 percent of Hispanic men aged 50 and older
- 7 percent of white and Asian men aged 50
and older
- 5 percent of black women over 50
- 4 percent of black men aged 50 and older
What is osteoporosis doing to
those that have the disease? It can lead to slight bone breakage
or a life-altering and debilitating fracture. Osteoporosis can be
prevented by getting the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin
D, regular strength-building exercise, no smoking or excessive alcohol
consumption and talking to a doctor about bone health.
Those who are older, thin women
with a family history of osteoporosis should take extra care and
look for symptoms.
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