OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become soft and weak. There are no symptoms until something bad occurs like a broken bone. It's possible for a woman with severe osteoporosis to break her leg simply by stepping off a curb, not falling, just stepping down. It is a very common problem, occuring in almost half of elderly women. It is much more common than diabetes, arthritis, heart attack, stroke, breast cancer or any other kind of cancer.

You are at increased risk if you:

• Are Caucasian or Oriental
• Have a relative with osteoporosis
• Don't have enough calcium in your diet
• Are thin
• Smoke cigarettes
• Drink alcohol
• Have never been pregnant
• Are past menopause and don't take hormones
• Don't exercise regularly

To reduce your risk:

• Make sure you have at least 1000 mg of calcium in your diet and/or supplements.
• Don't smoke.
• Drink alcohol moderately or not at all.
• Exercise regularly.
• Take female replacement hormones when your body stops producing enough.
• If your diet is good take a multi-vitamin once a day. If your diet is poor take two multivitamins a day with different meals.

If you have significant weakening of your bones you must do all of the above. In addition there are other medications that you should take.

The only way to evaluate the health of your bones is to have a diagnostic scan.