Osteo = Bone. Porosis = With Holes ( Porotic).
Osteoporosis is often called a "silent disease" because bone loss occurs without symptoms. People may not know that they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump or fall causes a fracture or a vertebra to collapse. Collapsed vertebrae may initially be felt or seen in the form of severe back pain, loss of height, or spinal deformities such as kyphosis or stooped posture.
It is underrecognised and undertreated.
It is the number one cause of fractures and debilitation in the elderly polulastion.
It's onset can be easily recognised and prevented.
One in two women and one in four men over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in her/his remaining lifetime.
Osteoporotic fractures lower a patient's quality of life.
Specialized tests called bone mineral density (BMD) tests can measure bone density in various sites of the body.
A BMD test is synonymous to Blood pressure and cholesterol level in Hypertension and Blood Sugar levels in Diabetes.
The standard and most accurate way to test for BMD is by DXA( Dual Energy Bone Densitometry).
It is underrecognised and undertreated.
It is the number one cause of fractures and debilitation in the elderly polulastion.
It's onset can be easily recognised and prevented.
One in two women and one in four men over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in her/his remaining lifetime.
Osteoporotic fractures lower a patient's quality of life.
Specialized tests called bone mineral density (BMD) tests can measure bone density in various sites of the body.
A BMD test is synonymous to Blood pressure and cholesterol level in Hypertension and Blood Sugar levels in Diabetes.
The standard and most accurate way to test for BMD is by DXA( Dual Energy Bone Densitometry).
Bare Bone Facts
Common Myths about Osteoporosis
MYTH: Osteoporosis is an inevitable part of aging.
FACT: Osteoporosis, for the most part, is preventable. There are five steps that can
optimize bone health and help prevent osteoporosis. They are: a
Balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise,
A healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive alcohol intake,
Talking to your doctor about bone health, and bone density testing and medication when
appropriate.
MYTH: Only older Caucasian women get osteoporosis.
FACT: Women and men can develop osteoporosis at any age, especially
If they have a chronic condition such as asthma or arthritis that requires treatment with
medications such as glucocorticoids (e.g. prednisone) that can lead to bone loss. Twenty
percent of those affected by osteoporosis are men. 52 percent of Asian women age 50 and
older are estimated to have low bone mass, which is equal to the risk for Caucasian
Women.
MYTH: Osteoporosis is not very common.
FACT: A woman’s risk of hip fracture is equivalent to her combined risk of developing
breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. Half of women over the age of 50 will have an
osteoporotic fracture before they die.
MYTH: Osteoporosis isn’t a serious or deadly condition.
FACT: The consequences of osteoporosis are devastating and painful. Approximately
20 percent of hip fracture patients will die in the year after fracture, usually from
complications such as pneumonia or blood clots in the lung, which are related to the
fracture or to the surgery to repair the fracture. More than half of those who survive a hip
fracture will not be able to walk or move about easily, and a quarter will need long-term
nursing home care. Frail, elderly women and men who have suffered multiple fractures
in the upper spine may develop stooped posture, or “kyphosis”. They often have chronic
lower back and side pain and difficulty walking. In extreme cases, people have trouble
breathing and eating.
MYTH: Medical costs from osteoporosis aren’t high.
FACT: Replacement hip prosthetic surgery is an expensive procedure. Not to mention the
prolonged disability and complications which usually follow the procedure.
MYTH: If I had osteoporosis, I would know it.
FACT: No, not usually. Osteoporosis is often called “the silent disease” because it
progresses slowly over time, without symptoms, until a fracture occurs. Patients often
don’t realize they have osteoporosis or are even at risk until they suffer a fracture – most
commonly of the hip, spine or wrist – after a fall or from doing ordinary activities. At
this point, they have already suffered the consequences of osteoporosis. Certain people
are more likely to develop osteoporosis than others. Factors that increase the likelihood
of developing osteoporosis include being female, having a personal history of fracture
as an adult, current smoking, current low bone mass, being thin and/or having a small
frame, advanced age, or a family history of osteoporosis. Many people are not having
appropriate testing to determine if they have osteoporosis before, or even after they
fracture. As many as 95 percent of adults who break a bone are being treated without
being evaluated for osteoporosis. Bone mineral density tests can measure the amount of
bone in different parts of the skeleton and can predict the risk of future fractures.
MYTH: Once I have osteoporosis, there is nothing I can do about it.
FACT: There are also several treatment options available to slow bone loss and even
build new bone.
MYTH: Osteoporosis is an inevitable part of aging.
FACT: Osteoporosis, for the most part, is preventable. There are five steps that can
optimize bone health and help prevent osteoporosis. They are: a
Balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise,
A healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive alcohol intake,
Talking to your doctor about bone health, and bone density testing and medication when
appropriate.
MYTH: Only older Caucasian women get osteoporosis.
FACT: Women and men can develop osteoporosis at any age, especially
If they have a chronic condition such as asthma or arthritis that requires treatment with
medications such as glucocorticoids (e.g. prednisone) that can lead to bone loss. Twenty
percent of those affected by osteoporosis are men. 52 percent of Asian women age 50 and
older are estimated to have low bone mass, which is equal to the risk for Caucasian
Women.
MYTH: Osteoporosis is not very common.
FACT: A woman’s risk of hip fracture is equivalent to her combined risk of developing
breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. Half of women over the age of 50 will have an
osteoporotic fracture before they die.
MYTH: Osteoporosis isn’t a serious or deadly condition.
FACT: The consequences of osteoporosis are devastating and painful. Approximately
20 percent of hip fracture patients will die in the year after fracture, usually from
complications such as pneumonia or blood clots in the lung, which are related to the
fracture or to the surgery to repair the fracture. More than half of those who survive a hip
fracture will not be able to walk or move about easily, and a quarter will need long-term
nursing home care. Frail, elderly women and men who have suffered multiple fractures
in the upper spine may develop stooped posture, or “kyphosis”. They often have chronic
lower back and side pain and difficulty walking. In extreme cases, people have trouble
breathing and eating.
MYTH: Medical costs from osteoporosis aren’t high.
FACT: Replacement hip prosthetic surgery is an expensive procedure. Not to mention the
prolonged disability and complications which usually follow the procedure.
MYTH: If I had osteoporosis, I would know it.
FACT: No, not usually. Osteoporosis is often called “the silent disease” because it
progresses slowly over time, without symptoms, until a fracture occurs. Patients often
don’t realize they have osteoporosis or are even at risk until they suffer a fracture – most
commonly of the hip, spine or wrist – after a fall or from doing ordinary activities. At
this point, they have already suffered the consequences of osteoporosis. Certain people
are more likely to develop osteoporosis than others. Factors that increase the likelihood
of developing osteoporosis include being female, having a personal history of fracture
as an adult, current smoking, current low bone mass, being thin and/or having a small
frame, advanced age, or a family history of osteoporosis. Many people are not having
appropriate testing to determine if they have osteoporosis before, or even after they
fracture. As many as 95 percent of adults who break a bone are being treated without
being evaluated for osteoporosis. Bone mineral density tests can measure the amount of
bone in different parts of the skeleton and can predict the risk of future fractures.
MYTH: Once I have osteoporosis, there is nothing I can do about it.
FACT: There are also several treatment options available to slow bone loss and even
build new bone.
Osteoporosis is a silent disease that can cause severe disability. Unfortunately, its silence has also resulted in ignorance about the ailment.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and are more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist. Hip and spine fractures can be very severe and debilitating. Millions of normal appearing patients are at risk. While women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, men also suffer from osteoporosis. For these reasons, accurate osteoporosis screening is crucial for fighting this disease.
Who gets it?
Osteoporosis is a silent condition which weakens bones and causes fractures which can result in severe disability. It is the third most common disease (after Hypertension and Diabetes) in the elderly population. Osteoporosis has been recognized as the third most common disease to be prevalent in India by WHO ( World Health Organization). One in three women, and the one in five men around the world who will be affected by osteoporosis.
What can one do to prevent this disease?
It is advisable to get tested against this easily preventable and treatable disease. Osteoporosis can be easily detected by a simple and safe test using a DEXA bone scan which checks the density/ strength of the bone.
What happens if one has osteoporosis?
Osteoporotic fractures lower a patient’s quality of life. People may not know that they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump or fall causes a fracture or a vertebra to collapse. Collapsed vertebrae may initially be felt or seen in the form of severe back pain, loss of height, or spinal deformities such as kyphosis or stooped posture.
Are certain people more likely to develop osteoporosis than others?
Factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis and fractures are called “risk factors”. These risk factors include:
A Bone Mineral Density exam or DEXA scan is considered the "diagnostic gold standard" in management of Osteoporosis. DEXA scans are an important tool for early diagnosis of osteoporosis and in many cases recognize the disease before the symptoms occur.
Is it treatable?
Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, the medications approved for postmenopausal women to prevent and/or treat osteoporosis include Bisphosphonates and Hormone Therapy.
Is it preventable?
Five steps to bone health and osteoporosis prevention:
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and are more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist. Hip and spine fractures can be very severe and debilitating. Millions of normal appearing patients are at risk. While women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, men also suffer from osteoporosis. For these reasons, accurate osteoporosis screening is crucial for fighting this disease.
Who gets it?
Osteoporosis is a silent condition which weakens bones and causes fractures which can result in severe disability. It is the third most common disease (after Hypertension and Diabetes) in the elderly population. Osteoporosis has been recognized as the third most common disease to be prevalent in India by WHO ( World Health Organization). One in three women, and the one in five men around the world who will be affected by osteoporosis.
What can one do to prevent this disease?
It is advisable to get tested against this easily preventable and treatable disease. Osteoporosis can be easily detected by a simple and safe test using a DEXA bone scan which checks the density/ strength of the bone.
What happens if one has osteoporosis?
Osteoporotic fractures lower a patient’s quality of life. People may not know that they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump or fall causes a fracture or a vertebra to collapse. Collapsed vertebrae may initially be felt or seen in the form of severe back pain, loss of height, or spinal deformities such as kyphosis or stooped posture.
Are certain people more likely to develop osteoporosis than others?
Factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis and fractures are called “risk factors”. These risk factors include:
- Personal history of fracture after age 50
- Current low bone mass
- History of fracture
- Female gender
- Constitutionally thin and/or with a small frame
- Advanced age
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause, especially early or surgically induced
- Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
- Anorexia nervosa
- Low lifetime calcium intake
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Use of certain medications (corticosteroids, chemotherapy, anticonvulsants and others)
- Presence of certain chronic medical conditions
- Low testosterone levels in men
- Current cigarette smoking and excessive use of alcohol
A Bone Mineral Density exam or DEXA scan is considered the "diagnostic gold standard" in management of Osteoporosis. DEXA scans are an important tool for early diagnosis of osteoporosis and in many cases recognize the disease before the symptoms occur.
Is it treatable?
Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, the medications approved for postmenopausal women to prevent and/or treat osteoporosis include Bisphosphonates and Hormone Therapy.
Is it preventable?
Five steps to bone health and osteoporosis prevention:
- Get your daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D
- Engage in regular weight–bearing exercise
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
- Talk to your healthcare provider about bone health. When appropriate, have a bone density test and take medication, if advised.
Sources Of Calcium :
- Milk & milk products -cheese, yogurt, icecream, buttermilk
- Turnip greens, Spinach, Kale, Radish, Okra( lady Finger),Lauki
- Dry Beans, such as rajma, chole, chana, lobia, other kidney beans, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans
- Kamal gatta(makhana)
- Water chestnuts/cresnuts(singhada)
- Nuts like peanuts, groundnuts, walnuts, cashew nuts ,almonds , and fruit seeds.
- Seeds like melon seeds, watermelon seeds etc
- Coconut
- Fruits like Custard Apple, Guavas, Banana, Jackfruits, Figs, Oragnges & chiku
Sources of Vit D :
There are three ways to get Vitamin D:
1. Sunlight
2. Food - fatty fish (examples are mackerel, salmon and tuna), egg yolks and liver.
3. Supplemets & Medications
1. Sunlight
2. Food - fatty fish (examples are mackerel, salmon and tuna), egg yolks and liver.
3. Supplemets & Medications
Daily Calcium and Vitamin D Recommendations
Children & Adolescents
Calcium (Daily) Vitamin D (Daily)
1 through 3 years 500 mg 200 IU**
4 through 8 years 800 mg 200 IU**
9 through 18 years 1,300 mg 200 IU**
Adult Women & Men Calcium (Daily) Vitamin D3 (Daily)
19 through 49 years 1,000 mg 400-800 IU
50 years and over 1,200 mg 800-1000 IU
Pregnant & Breastfeeding
Women Calcium (Daily) Vitamin D3 (Daily)
18 years and under 1,300 mg 400-800 IU
19 years and over 1,000 mg 400-800 IU
Fall Prevention
Preventing falls is important at any age, but it is especially important for those who have osteoporosis because their bones are more fragile and easily broken. Each year, about one-third of individuals 65 years of age or older will fall, and some will be disabled by the broken bones that can follow. In many cases, a fall can be precipitated by medications such as sedatives, muscle relaxants, and blood pressure drugs that can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of balance. When two or more medications are used in combination, these side effects may be aggravated. Falls also result from diminished vision, hearing, muscle strength, coordination, and reflexes and from diseases that affect balance.
This safety checklist can help you eliminate many common household hazards:
Floors. Remove all loose wires, cords, and throw rugs. Minimize clutter. Make sure rugs are anchored and smooth. Keep furniture in its accustomed place.
Bathrooms. Install grab bars and non-skid tape in the tub or shower.
Lighting. Make sure halls, stairways, and entrances are well lit. Install a night light in your bathroom. Turn lights on if you get up in the middle of the night.
Kitchen. Install non-skid rubber mats near sink and stove. Clean spills immediately.
Stairs. Make sure treads, rails, and rugs are secure.
Other precautions. Wear sturdy, rubber-soled shoes. Keep your intake of alcoholic beverages to a minimum. Ask your doctor whether any of your medications might cause you to fall.
This safety checklist can help you eliminate many common household hazards:
Floors. Remove all loose wires, cords, and throw rugs. Minimize clutter. Make sure rugs are anchored and smooth. Keep furniture in its accustomed place.
Bathrooms. Install grab bars and non-skid tape in the tub or shower.
Lighting. Make sure halls, stairways, and entrances are well lit. Install a night light in your bathroom. Turn lights on if you get up in the middle of the night.
Kitchen. Install non-skid rubber mats near sink and stove. Clean spills immediately.
Stairs. Make sure treads, rails, and rugs are secure.
Other precautions. Wear sturdy, rubber-soled shoes. Keep your intake of alcoholic beverages to a minimum. Ask your doctor whether any of your medications might cause you to fall.
Five Steps To Healthy Bones :
EAT RIGHT: Get your daily recommended amounts of Calcium and Vitamin D.
EXERCISE: Engage in regular weight-bearing and muscle strengthening exercise.
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE: Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR: about bone health.
GET TESTED: Have a bone density test and take medication when appropriate
EXERCISE: Engage in regular weight-bearing and muscle strengthening exercise.
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE: Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR: about bone health.
GET TESTED: Have a bone density test and take medication when appropriate
Are U at risk for Osteoporosis?
Are you in risk for Osteoporosis?
Answer a few questions and take care of your bones.
1. Have either of your parents been diagnosed with osteoporosis or broken a hip after a minor bump or fall?
Yes No
2. Have you broken a bone after a minor bump or fall?
Yes No
3. Have you taken corticosteroid tablets (cortisone, prednisone, etc),Thyroid medication or diuretics?
Yes No
4. Have you lost more than 3 cm (just over 1 inch) in height?
Yes No
5. Do you regularly drink alcohol?
Yes No
6. Do you smoke regularly?
Yes No
7. Do you suffer frequently from diarrhea (caused by problems such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease), Insulin Dependent Diabetes, Thyroid disease?
Yes No
8. For women:
a. Did you undergo menopause before the age of 45? Or Are you post menopausal.
Yes No
b. Have your periods stopped for 12 months or more (other than because of pregnancy or menopause?)
Yes No
10. For men:
Have you ever suffered from impotence, lack of libido or other symptoms related to low testosterone levels?
Yes No
Are you among the one in three women, and the one in five men around the world who will be affected by osteoporosis? Osteoporosis weakens bones and causes fractures which can result in severe disability.
Take the One-Minute Risk Test and find out if you are at risk. If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, it does not mean that you have osteoporosis, but you may be at risk. We recommend that you show this test to your
doctor, who will advise whether further tests are necessary. The good news is that osteoporosis can be diagnosed easily and treated. Find out about what changes you might make in your lifestyle to reduce your osteoporosis risk.
Even if you answered “no” to all of the questions, make sure you invest in your bones by following a bone-healthy lifestyle, including adequate calcium intake and exercise. If you are over 50, we recommend that you discuss your bone health with your doctor. Ask your doctor if a DEXA bone scan is right for you?
Answer a few questions and take care of your bones.
1. Have either of your parents been diagnosed with osteoporosis or broken a hip after a minor bump or fall?
Yes No
2. Have you broken a bone after a minor bump or fall?
Yes No
3. Have you taken corticosteroid tablets (cortisone, prednisone, etc),Thyroid medication or diuretics?
Yes No
4. Have you lost more than 3 cm (just over 1 inch) in height?
Yes No
5. Do you regularly drink alcohol?
Yes No
6. Do you smoke regularly?
Yes No
7. Do you suffer frequently from diarrhea (caused by problems such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease), Insulin Dependent Diabetes, Thyroid disease?
Yes No
8. For women:
a. Did you undergo menopause before the age of 45? Or Are you post menopausal.
Yes No
b. Have your periods stopped for 12 months or more (other than because of pregnancy or menopause?)
Yes No
10. For men:
Have you ever suffered from impotence, lack of libido or other symptoms related to low testosterone levels?
Yes No
Are you among the one in three women, and the one in five men around the world who will be affected by osteoporosis? Osteoporosis weakens bones and causes fractures which can result in severe disability.
Take the One-Minute Risk Test and find out if you are at risk. If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, it does not mean that you have osteoporosis, but you may be at risk. We recommend that you show this test to your
doctor, who will advise whether further tests are necessary. The good news is that osteoporosis can be diagnosed easily and treated. Find out about what changes you might make in your lifestyle to reduce your osteoporosis risk.
Even if you answered “no” to all of the questions, make sure you invest in your bones by following a bone-healthy lifestyle, including adequate calcium intake and exercise. If you are over 50, we recommend that you discuss your bone health with your doctor. Ask your doctor if a DEXA bone scan is right for you?
