Myth: Only Women Develop Osteoporosis

• While 80 percent of Americans with osteoporosis are female, men are also at risk for the disease, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).
  
  

Myth: Bone Mass Cannot Be Replaced

• Lost bone mass can be replaced through a combination of medication, proper diet and weight-bearing exercise, according to the the Osteoporosis Foundation.
  
  

Myth: Symptoms of Osteoporosis are Obvious

• Most people are not aware they have osteoporosis until they break a bone due to a fall. Bone loss occurs without symptoms, which is why it is called the "silent disease."
  
  

Myth: Osteoporosis Affects Only the Elderly

• Osteoporosis affects people of all ages, and prevention should begin during childhood and adolescence, according to the University of Missouri. Peak bone mass does not occur until the late teens, and those who build bone strength during the teen years are less likely to suffer fractures as an adult.
  
  

Myth: Exercise is Dangerous

• Weight-bearing exercise can help reduce bone loss and increase bone strength. Examples of weight-bearing exercise include walking, jogging, weight lifting, tennis, stair climbing and certain types of dance.
  
  

Myth: Diagnosis is Difficult

• According to the NIAMS, a bone mineral density test, or DXA, is a simple and accurate test to detect bone loss.