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Osteoporosis - 'The Silent Thief'
Written by Laura
Sunday, 28 February 2010 01:48
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A while ago I watched a presentation and was given some literature from Osteoporosis Canada on osteoporosis, “the silent thief”, so called because it gradually robs bones of strength. Bones become thin and weak.  Even simple movements—such as bending over and picking up a heavy bag of groceries—can cause fractures. Often there is no symptom until a fracture occurs.  A bone mineral density test is the most accurate test for diagnosing osteoporosis.  It was hard to believe that 1.4 million Canadians have osteoporosis, and another 2 million are at risk of developing it. 1 in 4 women over the age of 50 has osteoporosis and at least 1 in 8 men.

This information comes from literature from Osteoporosis Canada.

Major Risk factors:

  • Age 65 or older
  • Vertebral compression fracture
  • Fracture with minimal trauma after age 40
  • Family history of osteoporotic fracture
  • Long term (over 3 months continuously) use of glucocorticoid therapy such as prednisone
  • Medical conditions (such as celiac disease, Chrohn’s disease) that inhibit absorption of nutrients
  • Hypogonadism (low testosterone in men, loss of menstrual periods in younger women)
  • Early menopause (before age 45)

Minor Risk Factors:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Prolonged use of anticonvulsants
  • Prolonged heparin use
  • Body weight less than 57 kg (125 lbs.)
  • If your present weight is more than 10% below your weight at age 25
  • Low calcium intake
  • Excess caffeine (consistently more than 4 cups a day of coffee, cola or some energy drinks)
  • Excess alcohol (consistently more than 2 drinks a day)
  • Smoking

According to the brochure, there is no cure for Osteoporosis, but there are treatments available.

You can lower your risk of osteoporosis by taking the following steps:

  • Know your risk factors and change the ones you can.
  • Get the calcium you need. Adults need 1000 mg of calcium a day.  Over age 50, Osteoporosis Canada recommends 1500 mg a day.  Some can be obtained from diet.  A typical Canadian diet, without dairy products or supplements, gives you about 300 mg of calcium per day. I would think statistics from the USA would be similar.
  • Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.
  • Include regular weight-bearing exercise in your life (walking, dancing, racquet sports).
  • Take steps to stop smoking.
  • If you are over 50, and have 1 major or 2 minor risk factors, talk to your doctor about a bone mineral density test.

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Last Updated ( Saturday, 16 October 2010 17:29 )