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Osteoporosis is a progressive, silent condition that eats away at bone, the hardest,
most durable substance in the body. It happens slowly, over years, so that
often neither patient nor doctors are aware of weakening bones until one snaps
unexpectedly. This is why osteoporosis is called the silent thief.
Osteoporosis is the main cause of hip fracture, which can lead to permanent disability,
loss of independence, and sometimes even death.
Many factors can affect your chances of developing osteoporosis. |
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The good news is that you control some of
them. Even though you can't change your genetic heritage, you can lower
your risk with attention to certain lifestyle changes that will help
build and maintain bone mass. The younger you start, the better.
Lifestyle changes you can make to reduce osteoporosis:
- Don't smoke
- Get enough vitamin D and calcium
- Exercise regularly, such as walking
- If you drink alcohol, do so moderately
An inactive lifestyle, low calcium intake, excessive drinking and smoking all
increase risk of osteoporosis dramatically.
Other factors are beyond your control. Awareness of them can provide early detection
and help you and your doctor to make early health-care choices. These risk factors
are:
- Having a thin, small-boned frame
- Stooped posture or broken bones in older family members, suggesting a
family history of osteoporosis
- Being female: Women are at five times greater risk than men
- Growth hormone deficiency in children.
- Oestrogen deficiency due to abnormal absence of menstruation
- Early oestrogen deficiency in women who experience menopause before age
45
- Ethnic heritage: White and Asian women are at highest risk
- Advanced age
Prolonged use of some medications, such as excessive thyroid hormone, some antiseizure
medications, glucocorticoids (certain anti-inflammatory medications, such as
prednisone, used to treat conditions such as asthma, arthritis and some cancers),
certain cancer treatments, some treatments for endometriosis, excessive use of
aluminium-containing antacids, and excessive thyroid hormone. It is important
to discuss the use of these drugs with your doctor, and to not stop or change
your medication dose without consultation. |
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