fractures of the hip, pelvis, arm, leg, or spine, as my colleagues and I reported in Mayo Clinic Proceedings in January 2015. And the number of osteoporosis-related hospitalizations exceeded that for common conditions, including both stroke and heart attack: There were 4.9 million osteoporosis bone-break hospitalizations compared to 3 million for stroke, 2.9 million for heart attack, and 700,000 for breast cancer during the same time period.
While the fractures that happen as a result of the disease can cause severe pain, complications from a broken bone or related surgery can lead to early death or long-term nursing home care.
Fortunately, osteoporosis can be detected and treated before you have a broken bone. Playing an active role in maintaining good bone health is critical.
Are You at Risk for Osteoporosis?
Nearly 54 million Americans are living with osteoporosis or at risk for developing it. A variety of factors can put someone at risk for osteoporosis, including age, genetics, low body weight, lifestyle choices, and perhaps most importantly, a prior history of an osteoporotic bone break or a low-trauma fracture. Men and women over age 50, including postmenopausal women, are at risk for osteoporosis.
In addition, if you have a family history of osteoporosis, particularly if you have a parent with a history of hip fracture, you are at heightened risk. Those who eat too much protein, sodium, and caffeine — and not enough fruits, vegetables, calcium, and vitamin D — are also at risk, as are men and women who don’t get enough exercise, smoke cigarettes, or drink alcohol excessively.
How You Can Prevent Osteoporosis
"To prevent osteoporosis, you need to get active, get healthy, get clean, and get checked, as I often tell my patients."
Get active. Do regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises. This is one of the best ways to protect against osteoporosis and broken bones. As always, check with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS