OSTEOPOROSIS

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and loss of bone minerals esp. calcium that may lead to weak and fragile bones that may lead to increased risk for fracture particularly in the hip, spine, and wrist.

What are the signs of osteoporosis?

You may not know you have osteoporosis until you have serious signs. Signs include broken bones, low back pain or a hunched back. You may also get shorter over time because osteoporosis can cause your vertebrae (the bones in your spine) to collapse. These problems tend to occur after a lot of bone calcium has already been lost.

People who have osteoporosis do not usually know they have the disease until they experience a fracture.

Am I at risk for osteoporosis?

Menopause before age 48 Surgery to remove ovaries before

menopause Not getting enough calcium Not getting enough exercise Smoking Osteoporosis in your family Alcohol abuse Thin body and small bone frame

(underweight) Fair skin (Caucasian or Asian

race) Hyperthyroidism Long-term use of oral steroids

Test for Diagnosis- Bone density measurement

A Simplest Test Painless Noninvasive test.

simple and safe procedure to accurately detect the severity of bone mass loss

World Health Organization Definitions Based on Bone Density Levels

NormalBone density is within 1 SD (+1 or -1) of the young adult mean.

Low Bone MassBone density is between 1 and 2.5 SD below the young adult mean (-1 to -2.5 SD).

OsteoporosisBone density is 2.5 SD or more below the young adult mean (-2.5 SD or lower).

Severe (established) osteoporosisBone density is more than 2.5 SD below the young adult mean and there have been one or more osteoporotic fractures.

A score of 0 means your BMD is equal to the norm for a healthy young adult. Differences between your BMD and that of the healthy young adult norm are measured in units called standard deviations (SDs). The more standard deviations below 0, indicated as negative numbers, the lower your BMD and the higher your risk of fracture

Prevention of Osteoporosis

You’re never too young or old to improve bone health!

Healthy Diet + Regular Exercise = Strong Bones

Prevention (Contd) – Healthy Diet

Calcium Rich Diet Dairy products Beans and bean

products Seafood Vegetables Nuts

Vitamin D Sunlight Food

Prevention (Contd) – Exercise

Weight bearing exercises like walking, jogging, climbing stairs, dancing etc

Do not forget…

To take your calcium medicines regularly as suggested by your doctor.

Do regular exercises Maintain your weight

within normal range i.e. BMI 20 – 25

Go for Bone density testing if you are on high risk for osteoporosis

Support your

bones.

They support

you!