Osteoporosis belongs to the group of a largely treatable and preventable illnesses, if it is noticed early. However, both older and younger people have not enough information about osteoporosis. Approximately 30 million American citizens suffering from this disease, found out they were ill after fracturing some part of their body (hip, spine and wrist).
Currently about 1.5 million people suffer from fractures resulting from osteoporosis. What’s more, by the age of 90, one in two women and one in six men will suffer some form of osteoporotic fracture. The risk of death from a hip fracture caused by osteoporosis is the same as that of breast cancer in women (2.8%).
We must remember that osteoporosis is a very serious disease. And the worst thing is that until people have a serious fracture problem, they do not even know they are ill. The good thing is, however, that there are steps that can be taken to avoid osteoporosis or at least slow this deadly disease down.
So who is at risk for developing osteoporosis?
If you have more than one of the following risk factors you are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis.
SEX – Women over 50 have greater risk for developing osteoporosis. However, it is noteworthy to remember that osteoporosis is also found in men.
AGE - Your risk for osteoporosis increases together with your age. The risk is higher especially after the age of 50.
RACE – Caucasian and Asian women are most likely to develop osteoporosis over their African or Hispanic counterparts.
BONE STRUCTURE & WEIGHT – Thin small women are at greater risk of getting this disease as they have less bone mass to lose.
FAMILY HISTORY – If your parents or grandparents have any signs of osteoporosis, you are more likely to develop osteoporosis.
LACK OF NUTRITION – You have a bigger chance to develop osteoporosis if you lack calcium or vitamin D in your organism, as they are necessary building blocks to healthier bones.
LACK OF EXERCISE – Inactive people are at higher risk of osteoporosis. Physical activity not only keeps the body healthy but it also strengthens the bones.
SMOKING – If you smoke cigarettes, your risk for osteoporosis is much higher. Smoking adversely affects almost each part of the body and is a bad habit that should be quitted.
ANOREXIA – If you have or have ever had it, you are at higher risk of osteoporosis. Anorexia destroys healthy bones and robs them of essential nutrients.
