Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and are more likely to break, particularly the hip, spine, and wrist. The disease is characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue.

It is estimated that 18 million Americans have low bone mass and are at-risk of having osteoporosis. Women are four times more likely to develop the disease, although of the 10 million who already have it, 2 million are men.

People may not know they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump, or fall causes a fracture. Sometimes an individual’s vertebrate may collapse and initially be felt as severe back pain or there may be a loss of height or spinal deformities, such as a stooped posture.

Certain people are more likely to develop osteoporosis than others. They include people who have these risk factors:

1. Being a female.
2. Having a thin and/or small frame.
3. Advanced age.
4. A family history of osteoporosis.
5. A diet low in calcium.
6. Using certain medications, such as cortico-steroids and anticonvulsants.
7. An inactive lifestyle, cigarette smoking, and excessive use of alcohol.

There are four steps to prevent osteoporosis. No one step alone is enough to prevent osteoporosis, but all four may help. The four steps are:

1. Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D,
2. Get plenty of exercise, including weight-bearing exercise,
3. Live a healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive alcohol intake, and
4. Go to your doctor for a bone density test and medication, when appropriate.

Medicare pays for a bone density test for certain people who are at-risk for losing bone mass. If you live in Southern Illinois, call your local senior center or contact us for an application.

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