- Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. This leads to increased bone fragility and risk of fracture, particularly of the hip, spine and wrist. However, knowing your risk factors can help
improve your bone health and reduce your risk of developing the disease.
- Bone loss happens gradually and can progress without
any symptoms or warning signs until the disease is advanced. As a result,
osteoporosis is often referred to as the 'silent thief.'
- There are 1.4 million Canadians who suffer from
osteoporosis. One in four women over the age of 50 and at least one in eight
men over 50 have the disease. However, the disease can strike at any age.
- Since some 25 per cent of the population will be over
age 65 by the year 2041, it is expected that the incidence of osteoporosis
will rise steeply as the population ages.
- Doctors and patients often do not address the
symptoms of osteoporosis early enough. In fact, only one third of spinal
fractures will come to the attention of a physician. However, all types of
spinal fractures, even those that are not clinically apparent, are linked to
substantial increases in back pain, loss of height and depression.
- There are approximately 30,000 hip fractures in
Canada each year. More than 70 per cent of hip fractures are
osteoporosis-related.
- The cost of treating osteoporosis and its related
fractures is estimated to be $1.9 billion each year in Canada.
- Building strong bones in childhood and young
adulthood is your best defense against osteoporosis. Medications are available
for the prevention and treatment of the disease, and there are steps you can
take to reduce your risk, including eating a well-balanced diet, increasing
your intake of calcium and vitamin D, maintaining an active lifestyle
including weight-bearing exercises such as running or walking, and sports such
as tennis or basketball.
- Osteoporosis should not be considered an inevitable
part of aging. Early detection of low bone mineral density (BMD) and
identifying risk factors could significantly reduce the onset and impact of
this disease.
- The exact cause of osteoporosis is unknown. However,
some major risk factors that identify people who should be
assessed for osteoporosis include:
- >65 years
- Vertebral compression fracture
- Fragility fracture after age 40
- Family history of osteoporotic fracture (especially
maternal hip fracture)
- Long-term use (more than three months) of
Glucocorticoid therapy such as prednisone
- Medical conditions (such as celiac disease) that
inhibit absorption of nutrients
- Primary hyperparathyroidism
- Tendency to fall
- Osteopenia apparent on x-ray film
- Hypogonadism
- Early menopause (before age 45)
Minor risk factors for osteoporosis include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Chronic anticonvulsant therapy
- Low calcium intake
- Smoker
- Excessive alcohol intake (more than 2 drinks / day)
- Excessive caffeine intake (more than 4 cups of
coffee / day)
- Weight <57 kg (125 lbs)
- Weight loss >10% of weight at age 25
- Chronic heparin therapy
May, 2007
Julie Foley
President & CEO
416-696-2663, ext. 236
|
