What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones gradually
lose their density and strength, becoming weak
and easily fractured. Osteoporosis strikes more
than 25 million Americans of both sexes and all
ethnic groups.
Although osteoporosis can affect anyone, women
are two times more likely to develop the condition
than men. Because the onset of menopause triggers
rapid bone loss, osteoporosis is one of the most
serious health threats facing post-menopausal
women.
After years of bone loss, women become vulnerable
to bone fractures, particularly of the hip, spinal
column or wrist. Osteoporosis accounts for 1.5
million fractures annually. These fractures can
occur at the slightest trauma, such as stepping
off a curb, lifting a bag of groceries or even
stopping quickly.
Bone fractures in an older woman can lead to
health problems that are often debilitating and
sometimes fatal. For example, one in three women
who lives to age 90 fractures her hip, and as
many as 20 percent of women suffering hip fractures
die from pneumonia, blood clots in the lungs or
other complications.
Even when it's not life-threatening, osteoporosis
can bring pain and problems to an older woman's
life. Osteoporosis can cause women to fracture
vertebrae, resulting in loss of height, development
of a hump or stoop, and severe pain. Other women
with osteoporosis are prone to wrist fractures,
which make even the simplest chores difficult.
While serious, osteoporosis is avoidable. Through
medication, lifestyle changes and other management
techniques, a woman can maintain strong, healthy
bones and live an active life.
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