Osteoporosis is a disease that reduces the density and quality of bones.
This leads to skeletal weakness and an increased risk of fractures, especially of the hip, wrist, upper arm, pelvis and spine.
The bones become fragile and brittle as they lose essential minerals, such as calcium, faster than the body can replace them.
This reduces bone mass and the resulting thin, brittle bones are easily fractured through minor bumps and falls.
Typically the bone loss of affected people is gradual and without warning signs or symptoms until the disease is well advanced.
This 'silent disease' is a major global health issue, with 30-40 percent of women and 15 percent of men experiencing osteoporosis fractures during their lifetime.
It's often referred to as the 'silent epidemic' as the population continues to age and osteoporosis becomes more prevalent.
Despite the high incidences of osteoporosis, the disease was not precisely defined until 1994.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has subsequently acknowledged osteoporosis as a priority health issue.
Osteoporosis and its associated bone fractures significantly contribute to mortality and morbidity in the older population.
Bone fractures are very painful and can seriously impact the quality of life.
Hip fractures are particularly serious as they can result in long-term hospitalization, permanent disability, acute pain and lost independence.
Many elderly people with hip fractures die from related complications.
It's important to recognize that osteoporosis is not just an "old people's disease".
Young people with low bone density can also suffer from osteoporosis.
Bone loss in women can also begin as early as 25 years of age.
Due to the lack of symptoms and warning signs, it's difficult to self-diagnose osteoporosis.
A fractured bone may be the first sign of the disease.
Professional diagnosis can be confirmed through a bone density scan.
There are some key risk factors that make someone more prone to developing osteoporosis:
g.
cortisone) and anticonvulsants.
However, osteoporosis is a preventable disease.
There are several measures that can be taken to limit the possibility of developing osteoporosis.
Eating a well balanced diet rich in calcium is very important.
Dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt and milk, are ideal.
Adults over the age of 50 require approximately 1000 mg of calcium daily to protect bone mass and decrease the possibility of bone fractures.
It's important to maintain an adequate supply of vitamin D, as this is necessary to absorb calcium.
This can be simply achieved by spending at least 30 minutes outdoors in sunlight each day.
It's important to avoid the times of the day where the sun is most intense.
At least 30 minutes of physical activity daily is important.
Weight-bearing exercises that strengthen muscles against gravity help to maintain strong bones.
Suitable activities include exercise associated with dancing, walking, playing golf or tennis and low-impact aerobics.
Don't smoke and limit your alcohol intake.
According the International Osteoporosis Foundation, this disease affects more than 200 million women worldwide and an osteoporosis fracture is estimated to occur every 3 seconds.
With osteoporosis taking a huge personal and economic toll, it's important to take all measures possible to limit the likelihood of developing this seriously debilitating disease.
This leads to skeletal weakness and an increased risk of fractures, especially of the hip, wrist, upper arm, pelvis and spine.
The bones become fragile and brittle as they lose essential minerals, such as calcium, faster than the body can replace them.
This reduces bone mass and the resulting thin, brittle bones are easily fractured through minor bumps and falls.
Typically the bone loss of affected people is gradual and without warning signs or symptoms until the disease is well advanced.
This 'silent disease' is a major global health issue, with 30-40 percent of women and 15 percent of men experiencing osteoporosis fractures during their lifetime.
It's often referred to as the 'silent epidemic' as the population continues to age and osteoporosis becomes more prevalent.
Despite the high incidences of osteoporosis, the disease was not precisely defined until 1994.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has subsequently acknowledged osteoporosis as a priority health issue.
Osteoporosis and its associated bone fractures significantly contribute to mortality and morbidity in the older population.
Bone fractures are very painful and can seriously impact the quality of life.
Hip fractures are particularly serious as they can result in long-term hospitalization, permanent disability, acute pain and lost independence.
Many elderly people with hip fractures die from related complications.
It's important to recognize that osteoporosis is not just an "old people's disease".
Young people with low bone density can also suffer from osteoporosis.
Bone loss in women can also begin as early as 25 years of age.
Due to the lack of symptoms and warning signs, it's difficult to self-diagnose osteoporosis.
A fractured bone may be the first sign of the disease.
Professional diagnosis can be confirmed through a bone density scan.
There are some key risk factors that make someone more prone to developing osteoporosis:
- Female
- Previous history of bone fractures
- A family history of osteoporosis
- Aged 50 years or older
- Post menopause
- Removed ovaries or early menopause
- Low level of calcium in diet
- Inadequate exposure to natural light
- Low physical activity
- Thin or 'small-boned
- Caucasian or Asian ancestry
- Smoker
- Regular alcohol consumption
g.
cortisone) and anticonvulsants.
However, osteoporosis is a preventable disease.
There are several measures that can be taken to limit the possibility of developing osteoporosis.
Eating a well balanced diet rich in calcium is very important.
Dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt and milk, are ideal.
Adults over the age of 50 require approximately 1000 mg of calcium daily to protect bone mass and decrease the possibility of bone fractures.
It's important to maintain an adequate supply of vitamin D, as this is necessary to absorb calcium.
This can be simply achieved by spending at least 30 minutes outdoors in sunlight each day.
It's important to avoid the times of the day where the sun is most intense.
At least 30 minutes of physical activity daily is important.
Weight-bearing exercises that strengthen muscles against gravity help to maintain strong bones.
Suitable activities include exercise associated with dancing, walking, playing golf or tennis and low-impact aerobics.
Don't smoke and limit your alcohol intake.
According the International Osteoporosis Foundation, this disease affects more than 200 million women worldwide and an osteoporosis fracture is estimated to occur every 3 seconds.
With osteoporosis taking a huge personal and economic toll, it's important to take all measures possible to limit the likelihood of developing this seriously debilitating disease.
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