Feature Articles - Aging
Osteoporosis: The Silent Bone Thief
Lynda Johnson, Nutrition Specialist in Lafayette County, University of Missouri Extension
Osteoporosis is a "silent" deterioration of bone and a major
health threat for more than 28 million Americans (80 percent are
women). This disease can progress for years without the
awareness of the victim. Bones become fragile and are more
likely to break. In fact, the first sign of a problem may be a
fractured bone or a collapsed vertebra.
Any bone can be affected, but fractures of the hip and spine
have the most serious consequences. A hip fracture requires
hospitalization and major surgery. The victim may be unable to
walk unassisted and may experience permanent disability. Spinal
or vertebral fractures may cause loss of height, severe back
pain, spinal deformity, and stooped posture.
Recommended Calcium Intakes
Adult Women
50-64 years
(postmenopausal)
taking estrogen1,000
50-64 years
(postmenopausal)
NOT taking estrogen1,500
65+ years
1,500
Adult Men
25-64 years
1,000
65+ years
1,500
Bones aren’t as hard and lifeless as they seem. They are constantly being torn down and built up to make calcium available for the body to function. As people age, bones begin to break down faster than they build up. If more calcium is taken from the bones than they are producing, bones become weak and break easily. This leads to osteoporosis.
Risk factors for the disease include: being female, thin and/or
small frame, advanced age, a family history of osteoporosis,
post-menopausal, anorexia nervosa or bulimia, a diet low in
calcium, use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and
anti-convulsants, low testosterone levels in men, an inactive
lifestyle, cigarette smoking, and excessive use of alcohol.
A bone density test can detect osteoporosis before a fracture
occurs and may help predict your chances of a bone fracture in
the future. This test can also help monitor your bone loss.
In women, bone loss accelerates after menopause, when the
ovaries stop producing estrogen. The FDA has approved four
medications for postmenopausal women to prevent or treat
osteoporosis: estrogens, alendronate, calcitonin, raloxifene.
Although there's no cure for osteoporosis, the disease can be
prevented through a balanced diet rich in calcium, participation
in weight-bearing exercise and a healthy lifestyle. People
unable to get enough calcium in their diet need to take a
supplement.
Originally published in
Silver
Threads
Last update: Friday, August 29, 2008
 |
Site Administrator: |
|
|
|
