The purpose of World Osteoporosis Day is to raise awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of metabolic bone disease including osteoporosis. The hard structure of bones is made up of calcium and other minerals.
Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become weak and fragile, increasing the risk of bone fracture. Bone is a living tissue; the osteoblast cells continuously replace bone that wears away or is broken down by osteoclast cells when it gets old. But if the bone cells don’t make enough bone, or can’t keep up with loss of bone, the bone structure becomes less dense. About half of women and a quarter of men above age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis may be due to a wide range of other medical conditions, including:
- Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, multiple sclerosis)
- Blood disorders (e.g., leukemia, sickle cell disease)
- Cancer
- Digestive disorders (e.g. celiac disease, malnutrition, excessive weight loss)
- Eating disorders
- Endocrine disorders (e.g., diabetes, low testosterone)
- Polio and post-polio
- Pregnancy and lactation (this is normal and temporary)
Some medications, especially steroids, can also cause osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is often diagnosed by a bone density test. This noninvasive exam measures the mineral content of bones. It is recommended that women over age 65 and men over age 70, as well as anyone over age 50 who has recently broken a bone should have a bone density test.
Here are some steps you can take to prevent osteoporosis:
- Know your personal risk factors, including diseases, genetics, height loss, medications, menopause
- Move your bones to strengthen them
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate calcium, protein, and vitamins D and K
- Avoid bone-damaging life habits- don’t drink excessive alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking
- Use fall prevention practices, especially to prevent recurrent fractures.
What’s your osteoporosis risk? Check here: https://osteoporosis.ca/risk/
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