Osteoporosis occurs when the body loses bone at a rate faster than it can be replaced. As a result, bones become weaker, more brittle, and are more likely to break. From birth and through puberty, your body produces calcium and Vitamin D more quickly than the bone breaks down. However, at about the age of 30, the pattern reverses and your bones begin to break down more quickly than your body’s natural vitamin and mineral production can compensate for.
The loss of bone strength occurs over time and is generally only detected when a fracture occurs. If osteoporosis is left untreated, the effects can greatly inhibit one’s mobility and, in turn, their quality of life.
Why Create Awareness?
In the United States, an estimated 8 million women age 50 and over have osteoporosis and another 22 million are at risk of developing it.
Following menopause the production of estrogen decreases, resulting in an even greater bone loss. Women who already suffer from low bone mass or women who have a sharp decline in estrogen production after menopause are at greater risk for developing osteoporosis.
What Are Some Risk Factors?
- Decline in estrogen production in menopausal women
- Women with a thin slender build (Less than 127 pounds)
- Family history of broken bones or stooped posture
- Diet low in calcium
- An inactive lifestyle with little or no exercise
- Caucasians & Asians are more at risk
- Alcohol & tobacco use
- Prolonged use of certain medication (i.e. diuretics, steroids, anticonvulsants)
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