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Osteoporosis is a crippling bone disease affecting two in every five women over 50 or postmenopause. Bone loss is a natural part of aging and usually occurs after age 35. However, excessive loss of bone mass causes bone to become thin and brittle, leading to a condition known as osteoporosis. The risk of fracture increases if you have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a silent epidemic which is readily preventable and treatable.
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Women are more susceptible than men because they generally have less bone mass to begin with. Your risk increases if you have a family history of osteoporosis, have had your ovaries removed, are Asian or Caucasian, small boned, inactive or past the age of menopause. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a low calcium diet and long term use of certain medications, such as steroids (used to treat arthritis or asthma) can also contribute to bone loss.
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Osteoporosis takes years to develop and may or may not have symptoms. Some warning signals include:
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curvature of the upper back
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loss of height
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fractures (hip, wrist, spine)
 
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A bone density test is a fast and painless procedure that can measure and monitor the rate of bone loss. You should keep a copy of the result for your personal health record because the rate of bone loss after menopause averages 2% but can be over 5% per year. The rate of bone loss is an important prognostic indicator and rapid bone losers have high rates of fracture.
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With proper diet, exercise and medical attention, the danger of osteoporosis can be reduced. Here are some simple preventive measures that you can take:
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Avoid drinking and smoking
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Eat foods high in calcium, such as low fat dairy products, firm tofu,
canned fish with bones, dark green leafy vegetables.
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Daily exposure to sunlight to help the body make vitamin D needed
for absorption of calcium.
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Routine weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, running,
cycling, aerobics to strengthen bones.
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Consider Hormone (estrogen) Replacement Therapy or nonhormonal medication at menopause to suppress bone loss.
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Make your home safe against falls and accidents.
Although osteoporosis is not curable, you can take positive steps to protect your bones starting now, if not earlier in life.
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