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ASSESS YOUR RISK FOR OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is a painful and dangerous stealthy thief of bone mass that doesn't show any symptoms until it has done its damage. Early detection and prevention can pay many dividends in later years. For this reason everyone should know the risk factors and take precautions to avoid years of pain and loss of freedom in later life.

In the normal course of physical development the body gains bone mass until the age of 30.
Afterwards a gradual loss of some bone mass is normal and beyond any prevention. It is the accelerated loss of bone density that is called osteoporosis. (There is a rare form of this condition, Idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis, that causes weak bones in children and young adults. The causes of this condition are unknown at the present time.)

The most common form of osteoporosis is called postmenopausal and occurs in women past the age of 50. Women most at risk are those with a family history of osteoporosis, who are of white or Oriental descent, of slim built, with no pregnancies, and who experience an early menopause. Other more controllable factors are a calcium deficient diet, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking cigarettes and excessive alcohol consumption. There is also evidence that heavy coffee drinking interferes with the body's ability to absorb calcium. In addition the use of certain drugs, such as corticosteroids and large amounts of thyroid hormone, may be contributing factors.

A less obvious contributor is a general hormonal imbalance. Any woman who has a family history or otherwise fits the profile of the "at risk" population should consult a physician to make certain that she doesn't suffer from hormonal disorders or vitamin deficiencies. Vitamin D is essential to the absorption of calcium. Once most people's bodies made sufficient vitamin D from sunlight. However, in modern times with the use of sun screens to block UV rays and the larger amounts of time spent indoors, a vitamin D supplement may be called for. Only a blood work-up can determine that there are no vitamin deficiencies or hormone problems.

A woman with several risk factors may want to have a bone density test done not later than the age of 40-45. This is a simple test that takes no more than 5-15 minutes and is similar to having an X-ray. A density score of +1.0 to -1.0 is good, between -1 and -2.5 indicates low bone density, and a score of -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis. A score of -1 or lower is a wake-up call to begin serious remedial action. Any such program should be under the guidance of a specialist physician.

In addition to "at risk" groups all women over the age of 65 and all men over the age of 70 should have a bone density test. There are more than 10 million people in the United States with osteoporosis, at least. Two million or 20% are men. All men over the age of 50 with one or more risk factors should also have a density test. In fact, it is estimated there may be as many as 18 million men and younger women with undiagnosed bone density problems.

A solid fitness program that combines both cardio and weight or load-bearing exercise is good medicine to help prevent not only bone problems but a host of other illnesses. Smoking and heavy drinking not only damage the body but interfere with the body's ability to absorb the essential nutrients and minerals everyone needs for a long and healthy life. Remember, healthy living pays in more ways than we can imagine.

Learn more about this author, Roger G Mccorkle.
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