What is Osteoporosis?

Source: Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones. It happens when you lose too much bone; make too little bone or both. As a result, your bones become weak and may break from a minor fall or, in serious cases, even from simple actions, like sneezing or bumping into furniture.

Osteoporosis is Common

About 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Studies suggest that approximately one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

Are You at Risk?

There are a variety of factors – both controllable and uncontrollable – that put you at risk for developing osteoporosis. It is important to talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors for osteoporosis and together you can develop a plan to protect your bones.

A woman’s risk of breaking a hip due to osteoporosis is equal to her risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer combined. And a man age 50 or older is more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than he is to get prostate cancer.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors

• Being over age 50.

• Being female.

• Menopause.

• Family history of osteoporosis.

• Low body weight/being small and thin.

• Broken bones or height loss.

Controllable Risk Factors

• Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D.

• Not eating enough fruits and vegetables.

• Getting too much protein, sodium and caffeine.

• Having an inactive lifestyle.

• Smoking.

• Drinking too much alcohol.

• Losing weight.

There are also medications and diseases that can cause bone loss and increase your risk of osteoporosis.

Healthy Hometown is working toward a “healthy” Clinton County.