What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a ’silent killer’ disease. It is most common among Americans. It is a disease in which bones become fragile and are likely to break. If not treated or prevented at an early stage, it can lead to breaking of bones. It is common among men and women, but the latter are at higher risk of getting it.

Who is it at risk of getting Osteoporosis?

• People with thin frame and structure
• People having a family member with broken bone
• Women with early-menopause
• People who have taken high doses of thyroid, glucocorticoids and other immunosuppresive medications
• People having low-calcium diet
• Physically inactive people
• All smokers and alcoholics
• People who are 50 years of age or older

What are the symptoms of Osteoporosis?

• People cannot realise that they have Osteoporosis until they have broken bones
• Easily prone to fractures even from simple fall or simple actions
• Severe back pain, loss of height, stooped posture and so on
• Women tend to lose their one mass up to 20 per cent due to Osteoporosis

How to prevent Osteoporosis?

• Building bone mass during childhood and adolescence can prevent Osteoporosis
• Taking daily recommended amounts of calcium and Vitamin D
• Avoiding smoking and alcohols
• Taking an annual bone density test

Consult your doctor if you notice any symptoms and follow his suggestions. For more information on Osteoporosis, contact the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).