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- Osteoporosis, a term that means "porous bones," is a disease in which bones become thinner and weaker and more likely to break.
- Bone is living, growing tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced by new bone. In young people, new bone is created faster than it is broken down, so bone increases in density and strength until the process peaks at around age 20. The process then gradually reverses and bone begins breaking down faster than it is replaced.
- Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D, even during the childhood and teen years, can contribute to osteoporosis. In addition, certain diseases, medications, or medical treatments can cause bone loss and may lead to osteoporosis.
- Osteoporosis threatens more than 44 million Americans age 50 and older. It is
estimated that 10 million individuals already have the disease, and that nearly 34
million more have osteopenia (low bone mass), a condition that puts them at
increased risk for osteoporosis.
- Eight out of 10 people affected by osteoporosis are women. Although the
disease occurs in men, postmenopausal women are at greatest risk.
- One in 2 women over age 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture in
her remaining lifetime, which can result in significant pain, loss of height,
and may cause women to lose their ability to do everyday activities, stand up,
and even walk.
- Women can lose up to 20% of their bone mass in the first 5 to 7 years after menopause.
- Osteoporosis is treatable. Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because bone loss occurs without symptoms. The only sure way to determine bone density and fracture risk for osteoporosis is to have a bone mass measurement (also called bone mineral density or BMD test). Your doctor can help you determine whether you should have a BMD test.
- The 1.5 million osteoporotic fractures in the U.S. each year result in 2.6
million visits to the doctor’s office, 800,000 emergency room visits, more than
500,000 hospitalizations, and the placement of 180,000 patients into nursing home
care.
- In 2002, the direct medical costs of osteoporosis totaled nearly $18 billion in the U.S.
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