Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that leads to bone loss and susceptibility

to fractures. 'It is a Silent and a debilitating disease which afflicts those

over 50 years old and is caused by the depletion of calcium which makes
bones more fragile and easier to break.' Osteoporosis afflicts an estimated
one-third of women aged 60 to 70, and two-thirds of women aged 80 or
older; approximately 200 million women worldwide suffer from
osteoporosis. Additionally, many older men also are affected by
osteoporosis.

There are many risk factors leading to Osteoporosis. Fractures from osteoporosis are
about twice as common in women as they are in men, especially after menopause.
Also, the older you get, the higher the chance to have osteoporosis. Your bones
become weaker as you age. Race and genetics also play a big role - White or of
Southeast Asian descent are at greater risk than Black and Hispanic. Other factors
are Family history, Corticosteroid medications, Low calcium intake and sedentary
lifestyle

Signs and Symptoms

• Back pain (in advance disease)
• Loss of height over time, with an accompanying stooped posture
• Fracture of the vertebrae, wrists, hips or other bones

Screening and diagnosis

Osteoporosis can be diagnosed by measuring bone mineral density (BMD),. A T-score
of more than -1 Standard Deviation means healthy bones; -1 to -2.5 means you are
at risk to develop the disease; a score lower than -2.5 indicates osteoporosis.

It is important to have a full screening test after the age of 45 because if it is left
untreated it may progress painlessly until a bone breaks. Osteoporosis has no other
obvious symptoms other than a fracture when the bone is already weakened. These
fractures occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist as these joints are most likely to
break as they lose mass and become fragile.

How to keep bones healthy throughout life

• Regular exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise helps build strong bones and
slows bone loss
• Nutritious diet with adequate amounts of calcium
• Adequate amounts of vitamin D, which is essential for absorbing calcium.
Bisphoshonates can be used to reduce risk of fractures especially in women with
osteoporosis.
• Good posture helps you avoid stress on your spine. When lifting, bend at your
knees, and lift with your legs, keeping your upper back straight.
• Never ignore pain and see your doctor immediately.