Overview

Maximum bone density and strength is reached between ages 20 & 25. After that time, the body removes old bone faster than it can replace it with new bone, leading to a loss of bone density.

Osteoporosis - or porous bones – is known as “the silent thief” because it steals minerals from your skeleton and over time makes your bones thin, weak and brittle.

• Signs and symptoms are generally not apparent until a bone is broken
• Fractures from osteoporosis usually occur in the hip, spine or wrist
• Women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease
• One out of two women over the age of 50 is at risk
• Women going through menopause experience an increase in bone loss
• Once bone is lost, it cannot as yet, be replaced

Osteoporosis can develop at any time and also can cause height loss, posture change and severe back pain. Prevention of this disease is very important because, while there are treatments for osteoporosis, there currently is no cure.

Treatments

Prevention strategies and practical lifestyle choices include:

• See your healthcare provider and assess steps you’re taking to maintain bone health.
• Get a DEXA scan (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) which measures bone miner density (BMD).
• Assess the steps you’re taking to maintain bone health
• Ask what’s new in osteoporosis treatments
• Take medicine as prescribed by your healthcare provider
• Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Stay active
• Prevent falls
• Make healthy lifestyle changes

You are never too old or too young to improve your bone health. Osteoporosis can be prevented and bone health can be maintained as you age.