Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increase susceptiblitly to fractures, especially of the hip, spine, and wrist, although any bone can be affected. (Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation 2006)
OSTEOPOROSIS PREVALENCE
- Major public health threat for 44 million Americans
- Nearly 55% of people 55 years of age and older are affected with osteoporosis
- 80% of those who have it are women
OSTEOPOROSIS RISK FACTORS
- Heredity
- Current low bone mass
- Being female
- Being thin or having a small frame
- Advanced age
- Estrogen deficiency
- Abnormal absence of mentrual periods
- Anorexia nervosa
- Low lifetime calcium intake
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Cigarette smoking
- Excessive alcohol use
- Being white or Asian
Links
National Osteoporosis Foundation – To learn more about what osteoporosis is and how to prevent it use this site.
National Institutes of Health – This site offers basic facts, risk factors, and prevention for osteoporosis.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration – This is just a basic overview of osteoporosis. It gives facts, risk factors, and prevention information.