Osteoporosis "The silent epidemic"

Osteoporosis is a potentially crippling disease; characterized by the loss of bone tissue and a susceptibility to fractures, effects an estimated 25 million Americans- 80% of whom are women.

Annually, this disease accounts for 1.3 million debilitating fractures, mostly to the weight-bearing hip and spine. Osteoporosis is also called the "silent disease" because it doesn't produce symptoms until the fracture occurs. Approximately 50% of the women over the age of 50 are at risk of sustaining an osteoporosis fracture. In fact, a woman's risk of hip fracture alone equals her combined risk of developing breast cancer. In short, the prevalence of osteoporosis has reached epidemic proportions.

See also: Bone Densitometry

Are you at risk?
Your chances of developing osteoporosis are greater if you are female and answer "YES" to any of the following questions.

Are you...?
- Light skinned
- Thin or small framed
- Approaching or past menopause
- Milk intolerant or have a low calcium intake
- A cigarette smoker or drink alcohol in excess
- Taking thyroid medication or steroid-based drugs for asthma arthritis or cancer

Do you have...?
- A family history of osteoporosis
- Chronic intestinal disorders
- A sedentary lifestyle