Published: May 9, 2019
One in two women and up to one in four men will break a bone in their lifetime due to osteoporosis, yet many people are not taking steps to prevent this condition. To mark the start of National Osteoporosis Month this May, Western Health Advantage is raising awareness of this disease, which affects 54 million Americans.
"Osteoporosis is often called a 'silent disease' because you cannot feel your bones getting weaker. Men and women need to understand their risk factors and take steps to prevent and identify signs of the disease," says Dr. Don Hufford, Chief Medical Officer at WHA.
What causes osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease which occurs when the body loses too much bone, doesn’t make enough bone or both. The bones then become weak because they become less dense and are more likely to break. People with osteoporosis most often break bones in the hip, spine, and wrist. Women get osteoporosis more often than men, and the older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis.
How can I prevent osteoporosis?
To help keep your bones strong and prevent osteoporosis, you should:
-
Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
-
Exercise – particularly weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises
-
Not drink in excess or smoke
-
Talk to your healthcare provider about your chance of getting osteoporosis
-
Take an osteoporosis medication if and when it’s right for you
In some cases, people are asked by their doctor to take supplements to achieve the recommended daily allowance for calcium and vitamin D. Visiting your primary care physician regularly is important. At you annual physical exam, potential health problems – including osteoporosis – can be identified and discussed, which allow steps to be taken to improve your health going forward.
WHA has more info on osteoporosis on our Bone Health page.