Osteoporosis: A debilitating
disease that can be prevented and
treated.
|
FIVE STEPS TO BONE HEALTH AND OSTEOPOROSIS PREVENTION
EAT RIGHT:
Get your daily recommended amounts of
Calcium
and Vitamin D.
EXERCISE:
Engage in regular weight-bearing and
muscle
strengthening exercise.
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE:
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER:
Talk to your healthcare provider about bone health.
GET TESTED:
Have a bone density test and take medication
when appropriate. |
Osteoporosis
is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely
to break. If not prevented or if left untreated,
osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks.
These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically
in the hip, spine, and wrist.
Any bone can be affected, but of special concern are
fractures of the hip and spine. A hip fracture almost always
requires hospitalization and major surgery. It can impair a
person's ability to walk unassisted and may cause prolonged
or permanent disability or even death. Spinal or vertebral
fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of
height, severe back pain, and deformity.
Millions of Americans are at risk. While women are four
times more likely than men to develop the disease, men also
suffer from osteoporosis.
Download the
Osteoporosis: Can It Happen to You? risk factor
questionnaire.
To receive the latest scientific information on osteoporosis
and ideas on how to better cope with this disease, please
consider joining the NOF Family. New members of the
National Osteoporosis Foundation ($30) receive our quarterly
newsletter, The Osteoporosis Report, and a copy of our
74-page comprehensive patient handbook, Boning Up on
Osteoporosis. Several levels of health professional
memberships are available.
Join on-line
today!
Download OSTEOPEDIATM : A Glossary of Commonly Used Terms in Osteoporosis
If you are looking for information that does not appear on
this site, please visit our
on-line Information Request
Center
|
