WHO IS AT RISK FOR OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is a bone disease in which the affected person’s bones start deteriorating and start losing density and mass.  It is really dangerous because the afflicted person often does not realize it and the bones become fragile and break.  This can afflict the spine, the hips and wrists causing fractures and since the bones have already deteriorated, the recovery is very slow. Women who are menopausal are more likely to get this disease, but men can get it too.  However only one in eight men can get osteoporosis whereas one in four women are at risk for osteoporosis.

How to check who is at risk for osteoporosis?

• Menopausal and postmenopausal women are at risk for osteoporosis.
• Women who have had an early menopause or hysterectomy at 45 years of age or younger.
• Old people, especially over 65 years of age are more prone to getting hysterectomy
• Ethnic origins have a major role to play in this disease.  If you are Caucasian or Asian you are prone to getting osteoporosis.
• Generally women who are underweight are likely to get osteoporosis.
• People who have family history of osteoporosis, like parents and siblings or relatives who have osteoporosis are more likely to get it.
• People who have the tendency of getting shattered bones even at low impact, height loss or if they develop a hunch, they must get themselves checked.
• People who suffer chronic diseases like Diabetis Type 1, Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, thyroid disorders, chronic lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, aids etc. should get themselves checked as they are at risk for osteoporosis.
• People who have been suffering from prolonged illness or on bed rest.
• People who have had low calcium intake
• Sedentary habits
• People on thyroid medication, chemotherapy etc.
• Smokers and alcoholics

Two or more of these risk factors substantially increases your chances of getting osteoporosis.  However, that being said, having high risk factors does not mean that you will get the disease.

If you do have the above risk factors, you should be aware of the tendency of getting the disease and get checked regularly.  Consuming a calcium rich diet and increasing vitamin D intake can help you avoid this.  Exercise helps, so does quitting smoking and drinking.  The best part is that even if you start taking these corrective measures late in your life, you can substantially decrease your risk of getting osteoporosis.

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