Test Your Osteoporosis IQ

True or false?

Osteoporosis is a "woman's disease."
False. Although women are more likely to develop osteoporosis, men who have taken steroids, have abused alcohol, or have reduced testosterone levels may be at risk. According to the National Institutes of Health, 1 in 8 men and half of all women over the age of 50 will experience an osteoporosis related fracture. Approximately 28 million people are currently coping with osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a normal part of aging.
False. All men and women lose bone mass as they age, but not everyone has osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by an excessive decrease in bone mass that leads to an increased susceptibility to fracture. Although most individuals lose bone mass as they age, the remaining bone is usually strong enough to support the stress of daily activities and is healthy and capable of repair after fracture. Osteoporosis, however, weakens the bones to a point that a bump or a fall can cause a painful fracture of the hip, spine, or other bones.

Osteoporosis can be life threatening.
True. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, a woman's risk of hip fracture is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer. In 1991, approximately 300,000 Americans were admitted to hospitals with hip fractures, and an average of 24% of hip fracture patients aged 50 and over died in the year following their fracture. Frail bones caused by osteoporosis were considered the underlying cause for most of these hip fractures.

Osteoporosis can affect any bone, but fractures of the hip cause special concern. A hip fracture usually requires hospitalization and often major surgery. The fracture can impair a person's ability to walk, may cause prolonged disability, and could even cause death. Often, older patients who are hospitalized for a hip fracture cannot return home or live independently after the injury.

I drink milk and take vitamins; I have nothing to worry about.
False. Although adequate nutrition is considered an important step to prevent osteoporosis, it is not the only factor. Four preventive measures act in combination to prevent osteoporosis and are crucial for building optimal bone mass during youth.

A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
Weight-bearing exercises
No smoking and limited alcohol intake
Bone density testing and medication, when appropriate

There is no satisfactory treatment for osteoporosis and no hope for a cure.
False. There are several factors that can prevent, slow, and possibly stop the progress of osteoporosis. Proper nutrition, especially adequate calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, and in some cases, medication can slow the effects of osteoporosis. Currently, estrogen, alendronate, raloxifene, risedronate, and calcitonin are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention or treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Medical experts agree that osteoporosis is highly preventable and with continuing research the future for a definitive treatment is likely. As with any condition, early diagnosis is the key to the most successful outcomes.

Currently, physicians at The Hughston Clinic in Columbus, GA are conducting a clinical research study to test the effectiveness of a new drug to prevent hip fractures.

For additional information regarding osteoporosis contact the National Institutes of Health, Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases - National Resource Center (phone 800-624-BONE, website www.osteo.org) or the National Osteoporosis Foundation (phone 202-223-2226, or visit their web site at www.nof.org).

Ashley Holloway, MS
Columbus, GA