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Osteoporosis

More than 10 million Americans have osteoporosis. Eighteen million more have lost enough bone to make them more likely to develop this disease. More than 80% of these 28 million are women. One out of two women and one in eight men over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture during their lives. White and Asian women are most likely to get osteoporosis. Women who have a family history of the disease, an early menopause, or small body frames are at greatest risk.

How do I know if I have Osteoporosis?

Losing height or having a bone break easily is often the first sign of osteoporosis. Bone density is a term that describes how solid your bones are. Ordinary x-rays do not show bone loss until a large amount of bone density is gone. The most exact way to measure bone density is by a DEXA-scan (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry). This is done on the whole body. Ask your doctor about this test if you think you are at risk for osteoporosis or if you are a woman around the age of menopause or older.

Getting Enough Calcium

Low-fat dairy foods such as cheese, yogurt, and milk
Canned fish with bones you can eat, such as salmon and sardines
Dark-green leafy vegetables, such as kale, collards, and broccoli
Calcium-fortified orange juice
Breads made with calcium-fortified flour

Osteoporosis Prevention

A diet that is rich in calcium and vitamin D
regular weight-bearing exercises
Avoid smoking
Limit alcohol intake
If you take certain medications
(glucocorticoids, antiseizure drugs, sleeping drugs, cancer drugs, or drugs to treat endometriosis or an overactive thyroid)
talk to your doctor about what can be done to protect your bones