| Osteoporosis |
|
|
| Urinary Incontinence in Women |
|
|
| Diabetes |
|
|
When we think about Women's Health, one of the first areas that come to mind is Osteoporosis.
The reason? Osteoporosis effects more than 20 million people in the world and while both men and women experience a decline in bone mass after the age of 40, women are at a much greater risk for osteoporosis than men. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is the most common form of osteoporosis and nearly one in four postmenopausal women suffers from osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis - Topic Overview
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when a person's bones become so thin that they can break
during normal daily activities such as lifting a heavy object or rolling over
in bed. Whether a person develops osteoporosis depends on the thickness of
his or her bones early in life, as well as health, diet, and physical activity
later in life. The process of bone thinning is
a natural part of aging and cannot be completely stopped. However, osteoporosis
can be reduced or delayed through the practice of
healthy habits, such as eating a nutritious diet and getting regular
exercise, to help build and strengthen the bones early in life. Although it
is best to start these habits during the teen years, adults who follow these
habits can prevent or reduce their risk of developing osteoporosis.
Prevention and treatment for osteoporosis
include eating a diet with sufficient calcium and vitamin D, getting regular
exercise, and taking medication to reduce bone loss and increase bone thickness.
Even small changes in diet, exercise, and medication can help prevent a broken
bone.
Early diagnosis and treatment of
osteoporosis is very important. Diagnosis of osteoporosis is usually done
by evaluation of a person's medical history and physical exam and by bone
density testing. People who are most likely to develop osteoporosis need
to be screened for the disease before symptoms (such as broken bones) occur.
Osteoporosis is rare in children
and teens. Osteoporosis that occurs in children and teens is usually caused
by other medical conditions and by taking certain medications known to cause osteoporosis.
|
