Osteoporosis is a disease affecting the bones. The bones become brittle, weak and fragile causing a decrease in quality and strength leading to fractures and broken bones. Women are 5 times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.

In the United States, although women only have twice the fracture rate of men, they sustain 80% of hip fractures because older women far outnumber older men.
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by loss of bone mass, deterioration of microarchitecture, and a decline in bone quality, all of which leads to an increased vulnerability to fracture.
Bone is live tissue, constantly being built and broken down. Estrogen, calcium and vitamin D are part of the building blocks important in keeping bone tissue healthy and strong. When women go through menopause and lose estrogen, the building material of bone is weakened and puts women at risk for osteoporosis. Deficiency in calcium and vitamin D also contribute in making bone prone to this silent disease.

Prevention is the perfect way to avoid weak bones which put you at risk for osteoporosis. Whether you are in your 20’s, 30’s or 40’s, making sure you have enough daily dietary calcium is an important step in building strong bones and preventing this disease that affects older women.

Taking calcium supplements is not needed for most healthy women and can have some serious health risks including kidney stones. Vitamin D can be essential in promoting bone health, calcium and phosphate absorption, muscle strength/function and maintaining healthy teeth.

Weight bearing and muscle strengthening exercises build bone. Weigh bearing exercises are those exercises where your feet and legs support your body weight. Low impact exercise such as fast walking, elliptical and stair stepping machines, not only build muscle and endurance but also build the amount and thickness of bone. High impact exercises include running/jogging, jumping rope and high intensity aerobics. Strong muscles increase blood flow and send key nutrients to help maintain healthy bone.

Osteoporosis cannot be cured but the process can be slowed down and improved with medication. Medications used to treat osteoporosis put the brakes on bone deterioration. Some medications can maintain bone density, strengthen bone and decrease the risk of fractures and breaking bone.