What is it?
A disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break.
Breaks usually occur in the hip, spine and wrist

What causes osteoporosis?
Scientist have not yet learned all the reasons this occurs.
When you are young your body makes new bone faster than it breaks down old bones.
As you get older, this process slows down and you start losing bone density.
The risk for osteoporosis depends on how much bone mass you attained between ages 25 and 35 and how fast you lose it.

Risk Factors
Anorexia nervosa or bulimia
Diet low in calcium
Use of certain medications
Low testosterone levels in men
An inactive lifestyle
Cigarette smoking
Excessive use of alcohol
Being Asian or Caucasian

Bone Health
Bones are living tissue, they provide structural support, protect vital organs and store calcium.
Until age 30, we store and build bone effectively.
As part of the aging process, bones begin to break down faster than they are formed.
Accelerates after menopause. Estrogen is the hormone that protects against bone loss.

Bone Mass Density
The National Osteoporosis Foundation
Recommends you have a BDT if:
You use medications that cause osteoporosis
You have type I diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease or a family history
You experience early menopause
You’re postmenopausal over 50 and have at least one risk factor.
You’re postmenopausal over 65 and never had a test.

Calcium
Is needed for heart muscles, and nerves to function properly.
Inadequate amounts contribute to osteoporosis.
Appropriate calcium intake falls between 1000 and 1300 mg a day

How to get enough Calcium every day!
Follow the Food Guide Pyramid
for Dietary Calcium Sources
Dairy- low fat yogurt, skim milk, cheese, chocolate pudding, ice milk, ice cream or frozen yogurt.
Protein- tofu, sardines, salmon
Vegetables- turnip greens, Bok Choy, Broccoli, collard greens
Other foods: vegetable lasagna, cheese enchilada, cheese pizza, calcium fortified orange juice.

Exercise
Exercising regularly in childhood and adolescence can ensure that you will reach peak bone density.
Need to participate in weight bearing exercise. For example, walking, dancing, jogging, stair climbing, racquet sports and hiking.

Medications
There is no cure, but several medications have been approved.
Each stops or slows bone loss, increases bone density, and reduces fracture risk.
Estrogen Replacement,
Alendronate,raloxitene and risedronate are prescribed to prevent and treat the disease.

Bone-Building Checklist
Maintain a calcium rich diet.
Get plenty of vitamin D
Engage in weight-bearing exercise
Don’t smoke and limit alcohol intake
Consider Hormone Replacement or other medications if you are at risk.