Osteoporosis
Preventing the
"Silent Disease"
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis actually means porous bone. It causes bones to have low bone density and weaken: thus, they become more fragile. This leads to an increased risk for fracture.
Osteoporosis is often referred to as the "silent disease" because it is usually not discovered until a person's bones become so weak that an everyday fall causes a fracture. Due to this silent progression, osteoporosis can claim as much as 40% of peak bone mass before anything substantial is done to correct it. Osteoporosis and its are responsible for more deaths than breast and cervical cancers combined, and is now the twelfth leading cause of death in America, costing more than 18 billion dollars a year to manage.
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
Risk Factors
that can be changed
Sedentary lifestyle
Cigarette smoking
Excessive intake of alcohol
Risk factors
that cannot be changed
Female gender
Small or thin frame
Increased age
Family history
Postmenopausal
Caucasian or Asian ethnic group
You Can Start NOW to Help Prevent Osteoporosis
Maintain a well balanced diet including calcium and vitamin D
Get plenty of weight-bearing exercise
Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake
Bone density testing every one to three years
Medication when indicated
Calcium Supplements
It has been shown that most people do not get enough calcium in their daily diet. This puts an individual at risk for osteoporosis. If calcium requirements cannot be met through an extra glass of milk or dairy product, calcium supplements can be added so that the body has enough calcium for its daily consumption. Ask us what calcium supplement is best for you.
Bone Density Scans
There are several ways to measure bone density, most of which involve the use of x-ray radiation. X-ray based methods usually take a bone density measurement of your heel.
Sahara uses ultrasound to estimate the bone density of your heel.
Ultrasound is a safe, radiation-free technology.
The heel bone contains a high percentage of the kind of bone most affected by osteoporosis.
Women 30 years of age or older and men 45 years of age or older should have a bone density scan.
Did you know...
In the U.S., more than 28 million Americans have either osteoporosis or have a high risk for having osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis-related fractures affect one in two women over age 50.
As a woman’s body stops the production of estrogen at menopause, there is a dramatic loss of up to 20% of bone mass.
Although thought of as a disease of the elderly, it can strike at any age.
1.5 million fractures occur annually, mainly in the hip, spine and wrist.
Out of every 8 men 50% will have a fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetime.
Fact or Fiction
As women get older, they just have to accept some things, like becoming less active because of osteoporosis.
You don’t have to accept limitations that come from having osteoporosis. By taking steps to fight osteoporosis, you can help preserve your independence and remain active. It’s never too late!
"Ask Us How to be Proactive About Your Health"
Here is a picture of the bone density test being performed.
