Persons
at Risk for Osteoporosis
What kind of person
is most at risk
Every woman is potentially at risk.
In fact, 1 out of every 2 women will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture
in their lifetime. But there are general factors which increase or
decrease the risk of osteoporosis:
-
Gender: Women have greater chances
of getting Osteoporosis than men. Women have less bone tissue and
lose bone more rapidly than men because of changes that occur during menopause.
-
Diet: A lifetime diet that is
low in calcium and vitamin D increases the chances of osteoporosis.
-
Age: The older you are, the greater
your risk of getting osteoporosis. Bones become less dense and weaker
as you age.
-
Lifestyle: Women who have
mostly lived an inactive lifestyle with very little physical exercise are
more at risk.
-
Body size: Small, thin-boned
women are at greater risk than normal or over-weight women.
-
Sex hormones: Abnormal absence
of menstrual periods (amenorrhea), low estrogen level (menopause), and
low testosterone level in men.
Isn't osteoporosis
just a part of growing old
Not true. Osteoporosis was once thought
to be an unavoidable part of aging. But now we know it is a disease
with specific causes, and therefore it can be prevented and treated.
Are women more vulnerable
than men
Eight percent of osteoporotics are
women and 20% men. Men develop a higher bone mass in their younger
years because of greater physical activity. Besides, menopause in
women causes estrogen levels to fall significantly which causes a marked
loss of bone.
Can YOU get osteoporosis?
Find out if you are a potential target.
-
Are you extremely thin?
-
Do you have a family history of Osteoporosis
or fractures?
-
Is your diet low in dairy products or
other sources of calcium?
-
Is your physical activity less than
normal?
-
Do you, or have you ever, smoked or
consumed alcohol in excess?
-
Did your menstrual periods have a long
break for reasons other than pregnancy or nursing?
-
Have you been taking excessive medication
or high doses of cortisone-like drugs for asthma, arthritis or cancer?
-
Are you a post-menopausal woman?
-
Have you had an early menopause?
-
Have you had surgery for removal of
ovaries?
The more times you answer 'YES' the
greater your risk! Act now, consult your doctor immediately. Prevention
is the only protection against osteoporosis.
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