Q:   Doesn't osteoporosis affect only older Women?

A:   No.  Osteoporosis affects 55% of persons aged 50+ (men and women).  It is estimated 44 million people in the U.S. have osteoporosis.  It is more prevalent than coronary artery disease, heart attack or diabetes, and is more common than breast, uterine and ovarian cancer combined.

Q:  What is the greatest risk of osteoporosis?

A:  Fractures!!  Osteoporosis-related fractures occur in 1 of 2 women and 1 of 4 men.  These fractures can be life-altering and life-threatening.

Q:  What bones are at greatest risk of fracture?

A:  The annual fracture incidence is:  700,000 vertebral (spine) fractures; 300,000 hip fractures; 250,000 wrist fractures; 300,000 other sites.  The cost to the american health system is over $46 million per day and it is estimated to exceed $178 million per day by 2020.

Q:  Can my body make more bone?

A:  It depends on your age.  About 90-98% is accumulated by age 18-20.  The age when we have the most bone mass is between 30 and 35.

Q:  Then, what can I do to decrease risk of having osteoporosis?

A:  At any age you can stop or slow the thinning of your bones by becoming more active, following a healthy diet, getting some daily fresh air and sunshine and avoiding smoking.  Factors you can't control are age, gender and ethnicity . . . which all have some bearing on your osteoporosis risk. 

Q:  What does sunshine have to do with it?

A:  Sunshine helps your body have more Vitamin D.  Vitamin D is necessary to help your cells metabolize calcium . . . a necessary mineral for bone health.

Q:  What kind of exercises should I do?

A:  Weight bearing exercises help strengthen bone.  If you have or are at risk for osteoporosis, consider very low impact (no running, jumping, etc.) and consider a special exercise program that avoids anterior vertebral compression.  This means avoiding flexion exercises.  A physical therapist trained in osteoporosis care can help you in this area.  The therapists at Alliance Physical Therapy have such training.