Q: What is osteoporosis and who can get it?
A: Osteoporosis is a disease that is characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue that can affect just about anyone. Bone mass is developed during our youth. Calcium and vitamin D help increase our bone mass along with exercise and a well balanced diet. By not developing and maintaining a strong bone mass, bones can become weak and will be more likely to break.
Usually you will not be able to feel your bones getting weaker. Many people are not even aware that they have osteoporosis until they break a bone from a minor fall or in extreme cases, even a sneeze.
Women are more vulnerable to osteoporosis than men because bones in women do not grow as dense as they do in men. Of the 10 million Americans estimated to have osteoporosis, 80 percent of them are women. Osteoporosis will not normally become an issue until you've reached age 50. However, if you have a family history with osteoporosis, have had broken bones in the past or have unhealthy lifestyle habits, you could develop osteoporosis at a younger age.
Signif-icant risk for osteoporosis has been found in people of all ethnic backgrounds. The risk of developing the disease has increased most rapidly among Hispanic women. Osteoporosis is both under-recognized and under-treated in Caucasian and African American women.
Q: So how can I prevent osteoporosis?
A: While osteoporosis is often diagnosed in people above age 50, prevention of the disease begins during childhood. Approximately 85 to 90 percent of adult bone mass is formed in girls by age 19 and in boys by age 20. By building strong bones in your childhood and adolescent years, you can help avoid osteoporosis later on in life. However, adults can also reduce their risk for osteoporosis by changing a few lifestyle habits.
Good nutrition is vital for normal bone growth. While it's important to keep your children eating healthy food, you can lower the amount bone deterioration by also having a healthy diet. Getting the recommended amount of vitamin D and calcium can reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis. The best way to get these nutrients is from food sources such as low-fat dairy products and broccoli.
Exercise can also help prevent osteoporosis. It is recommended that you should get 30 minutes of moderate physical exercise on most days of the week. You can do this by performing regular weight-bearing and weight-resistance exercises. Walking is an excellent weight-bearing exercise. Lifting weights is a great form of weight-resistance exercise.
Avoiding or quitting smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also lower your risk of developing osteoporosis.
There is no cure for osteoporosis, but there are certain treatments to help reduce the symptoms of the disease. It is best to start preventing osteoporosis by leading a healthier lifestyle before you are diagnosed with this disease.
While bone growth starts at a young age, anyone can begin following simple rules to prevent the development of osteoporosis. Talk to your provider if you are concerned about developing osteoporosis.
- Dr. Davidson is a rheumatologist who treats disorders in the joints, muscles and bones. He received his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and completed his fellowship in rheumatology at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. Dr. Davidson is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology. His interests include inflammatory arthritis, osteoporosis and immune system disorders. To make an appointment with Dr. Davidson, call Monroe Clinic at (608) 324-2811.
A: Osteoporosis is a disease that is characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue that can affect just about anyone. Bone mass is developed during our youth. Calcium and vitamin D help increase our bone mass along with exercise and a well balanced diet. By not developing and maintaining a strong bone mass, bones can become weak and will be more likely to break.
Usually you will not be able to feel your bones getting weaker. Many people are not even aware that they have osteoporosis until they break a bone from a minor fall or in extreme cases, even a sneeze.
Women are more vulnerable to osteoporosis than men because bones in women do not grow as dense as they do in men. Of the 10 million Americans estimated to have osteoporosis, 80 percent of them are women. Osteoporosis will not normally become an issue until you've reached age 50. However, if you have a family history with osteoporosis, have had broken bones in the past or have unhealthy lifestyle habits, you could develop osteoporosis at a younger age.
Signif-icant risk for osteoporosis has been found in people of all ethnic backgrounds. The risk of developing the disease has increased most rapidly among Hispanic women. Osteoporosis is both under-recognized and under-treated in Caucasian and African American women.
Q: So how can I prevent osteoporosis?
A: While osteoporosis is often diagnosed in people above age 50, prevention of the disease begins during childhood. Approximately 85 to 90 percent of adult bone mass is formed in girls by age 19 and in boys by age 20. By building strong bones in your childhood and adolescent years, you can help avoid osteoporosis later on in life. However, adults can also reduce their risk for osteoporosis by changing a few lifestyle habits.
Good nutrition is vital for normal bone growth. While it's important to keep your children eating healthy food, you can lower the amount bone deterioration by also having a healthy diet. Getting the recommended amount of vitamin D and calcium can reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis. The best way to get these nutrients is from food sources such as low-fat dairy products and broccoli.
Exercise can also help prevent osteoporosis. It is recommended that you should get 30 minutes of moderate physical exercise on most days of the week. You can do this by performing regular weight-bearing and weight-resistance exercises. Walking is an excellent weight-bearing exercise. Lifting weights is a great form of weight-resistance exercise.
Avoiding or quitting smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also lower your risk of developing osteoporosis.
There is no cure for osteoporosis, but there are certain treatments to help reduce the symptoms of the disease. It is best to start preventing osteoporosis by leading a healthier lifestyle before you are diagnosed with this disease.
While bone growth starts at a young age, anyone can begin following simple rules to prevent the development of osteoporosis. Talk to your provider if you are concerned about developing osteoporosis.
- Dr. Davidson is a rheumatologist who treats disorders in the joints, muscles and bones. He received his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and completed his fellowship in rheumatology at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. Dr. Davidson is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology. His interests include inflammatory arthritis, osteoporosis and immune system disorders. To make an appointment with Dr. Davidson, call Monroe Clinic at (608) 324-2811.
