Osteoporosis is
a major health threat for 44 million Americans, 68% of whom are women.
In osteoporosis, there is a loss of bone tissue that leaves bones less
dense and prone to fracture. It can result in a loss of height, severe
back pain and deformity. Osteoporosis can impair a person’s ability to
walk and can cause prolonged or permanent disability.
Osteoporosis is a silent disease that can often be prevented.
However, if undetected, it can progress for many years without symptoms
until a fracture occurs. Osteoporosis is diagnosed by a bone mineral
density (BMD) test, a safe and painless way to detect low bone density.
Risk factors for developing osteoporosis include:
- thinness or small frame
- family history of osteoporosis
- being postmenopausal or having had early menopause
- abnormal absence of menstrual periods
- prolonged use of certain drugs, such as prednisone
- low calcium intake
- physical inactivity
- smoking
- excessive alcohol intake
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