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- 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 as many as 2 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 $1.3 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
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