Osteoporosis means porous bones. The bones can become so thin and brittle that even a cough can cause a broken bone. Bones need minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, to keep them strong.
Most people believe this is a condition that affects older women, and that’s partly true. The important thing is that the process starts long before we’re old, and can affect men as well. It’s important to keep bones healthy at any age.
When we’re young and bones are growing, we need calcium and vitamin D in the diet to help build strong bones. Regular exercise is also important. Pregnancy and breast feeding are other times when there is an increased need for calcium and vitamin D.
Some things that put a person at high risk of having osteoporosis include:
- White women have a higher risk; but men over 75 also are at high risk
- Getting older
- Family history
- Small frame
- Smoking
- Eating disorders
- Taking steroids and certain other medicines
- Drinking lots of soft drinks with caffeine
- Lack of exercise
Osteoporosis causes broken bones; most often, the spine or hip is affected. So it’s important to keep your bones in good shape. Walking is a very good way to exercise for preventing this disease. Most people get enough vitamin D from sunshine. Dairy foods are a great source of calcium, but so are broccoli and almonds.
People who are at risk and older women should have bone density tests, often called DEXA scans. For more information, see http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteoporosis/DS00128
