Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and are more likely to break. Osteoporosis can be prevented and treated if monitored appropriately. Women are four times more likely to develop this disease.

Risk factors include:

• Getting older
• Small, thin body frame
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Taking certain medicines
• Ethnic background
• Having osteopenia, which is low bone mass

Osteoporosis is a silent disease. You might not know you have it until you break a bone. A bone mineral density test is the best way to check your bone health. To keep bones strong, eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, exercise and do not smoke. If needed, medicines can also help.