|  |
| Normal Bone Tissue | Osteoporotic Bone Tissue |
Bone is living tissue that is constantly being lost and reformed. When bone loss is greater than bone formation, osteoporosis occurs. Osteoporosis causes bones to become, thin, weak and fragile and susceptible to fracture.
Normal Bone Tissue
Osteoporotic Bone Tissue
After about age 30, men and women begin to lose more bone than we make. By age 70 to 80, we have lost an average of 20-30% of our bone mass. Women are morelikely than men to develop osteoporosis. This is because women generally have weaker bones to start with and lose bone faster when they go through menopause. Women lose 2-5% of bone each year for the first five to seven years after menopause; afterwards bone is lost at about 1% per year.
The Impact of Osteoporosis
Fractures are the main problem caused by bone loss. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 1 out of every 3 women and 1 in every 8 men will have an osteoporosis-related fracture sometime in their lifetime. Hip fractures are the most serious because they lead to loss of independence. After a hip fracture, many patients become bedridden, or require assistance to move around. About 25% of women with a hip fracture will be admitted to a nursing home for more than one year and wome will die with complications associated with the fracture.
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
-Female
-Caucasian or Asian
-Thin and Small in Stature
-Tall
-Family History of Osteoporosis
-Menopause Before Age 45 (naturally or sugically induced)
-Certain Medications (such as corticosteroids)
-Diet Low in Calcium
-Low Levels of Vitamin D
-Institutionalized or Bedridden
-Inactive Lifestyle
-Eating Disorder(such as anorexia nervosa or bullimia)
-Excess Alcohol or Caffeine
-Cigarette Smoking
Diagnosis of Osteoporosis
Symptoms: Osteoporosis is most often a silent disease until the late stages where bones become thin and weak enough to cause problems. At this point, patients may experience loss of height, back pain, a curvature of the spine, commonly known as a "dowager's hump," or a fracture.
Diagnosis: One of the best ways to detect bone thinning is having a DEXA scan, which stands for Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. This test is a painless, non-invasive procedure to measure bone mass in the hip, spine and other areas of the body.
Prevention of Osteoporosis
Exercise: Carry out weight-bearing exercise like jogging, walking, aerobics, dancing, and team sports for 30-60 minutes three to four times per week.
Lifestyle: Stop Smoking. Reduce caffeine intake and get out in the sunshine for Vitamin D.
Diet: Consume a diet which has fresh vegetables, fruits and low fat dairy products
Calcium: Supplement the diet with elemental calcium: either 1000 mg daily for premenopausal women and postmenopausal women on estrogens OR 1500 mg daily for women over 65 and postmenopausal women not on estrogen.
Treatment of Osteoporosis
Once you know that yo have osteoporosis, you may want to take the following steps:
Reduce the risk of fractures: Assure good lighting. Have a bedside flashlight. Move lamp cords out of walkways. Secure carpeting. Construct grab bars in the bathroom. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to determine whether your medications may cause lightheadedness.
Take medications: Medications are available to prevent futher bone loss and possibly rebuild some of the lost bone. These include estrogen, calcitonin, biphophonates (such as alendronate) and sodium flouride. Check with your doctor to see whether you need medication and, if so, which one is best for you.
A Symbol of the Fight for Bone Strength & Independence
This lace symbol was designed by the National Osteoporosis Foundation to emphasize the importance of the fight against osteoporosis. The ivory color represents the outer appearance of bones, while the lace symbolizes the intricate lattice-like inner architecture of the bone. Research and education are absolutely critical in the fight against this disease. By wearing this kind of ribbon, you’re saying that, together, we can stand up to osteoporosis.