What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis literally means "porous bone." As we age, our bones naturally lose thickness and strength.

Osteoporosis leads to an increased risk of fractures (br eaks). Called the "silent crippler," osteoporosis often progresses without sympt oms or pain until a fracture occurs. Osteoporosis is a major health threat for more than 28 million Americans (80 per cent of whom are women). The disease is responsible for more than 1.5 million fr actures each year. If left untreated, osteoporosis can be both debilitating and painful. Hip fractures are a serious health consequence of osteoporosis. After menopause, the risk of osteoporosis is increased in the vertebral body of the spine, wrist , and hip. About 20 percent of patients have a hip fracture in the first year af ter being diagnosed with osteoporosis. Hip fractures often result in a loss of i ndependence and the need for nursing home care. Medical complications after hip fractures can be life threatening. The best way to avoid osteoporosis is to determine your risk and then take steps to prevent the disease. It is important to start early. With proper diet and ex ercise, you might be able to slow or prevent the onset of osteoporosis. If you a lready have the disease, early detection and proper medical care can help slow o r even reverse its progress. Are you at risk? Bone loss in women begins at about age 30 and accelerates after menopause. Women over the age of 50 have the greatest risk for developing osteoporosis, but the disease can strike at any age. It is important to remember that the disease is n ot limited to women. One in eight men over the age of 50 are at risk for develop ing osteoporosis. Other risk factors include: Family history of osteoporosis Being thin or "small-boned" Caucasian or Asian race (although African Americans and Hispanic Americans are a t risk as well) Early menopause (before age 45) or surgically induced menopause Nulliparity (never having children) Amenorrhea in pre-menopausal women (absence of regular menstrual periods) Eating a diet low in calcium or Vitamin D Low testosterone levels in men Inactive lifestyle Excessive caffeine, protein, or sodium intake Smoking Excessive alcohol use Having certain diseases such as asthma, lung disease, intestinal problems, kidne y problems, hormonal problems, kidney stones, liver disease, primary hyperparath yroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, anorexia nervosa, or bulimia Being an organ transplant recipient Use of certain medicines such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants What can you do to prevent osteoporosis? Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D. Exercise regularly. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Prevent falls (for example, by removing loose wires, cords, and rugs around your house; wearing sturdy rubber-soled shoes; installing grab bars in your tub or s hower) so you can stay active. Who should get tested for osteoporosis? An initial examination for osteoporosis is recommended at menopause if you have risk factors. This assessment will alert you to any problems and allow doctors t o prescribe treatments to curb bone loss and monitor your progress as you grow o lder. All women over the age of 65 and men with risk factors should have a bone density test. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)

The most accurate test available for detecting osteoporosis and other bone disea ses is dual-ernergy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). This test, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes, measures the bone loss in your hips and spine. It also helps you r doctor determine how quickly you are losing bone mass, as well as predict your risk of fracture. The test is also used to follow the course of the disease and monitor the effects of various treatments. Before your DEXA test You do not have to change your daily routine before this test. Eat, drink, and t ake your medicines you normally would. However, do not take calcium supplements (such as Tums) for 24 hours before your bone densitometry test. If you think you might be pregnant, notify your doctor. During the test You must wear a hospital gown, and you will be asked to lie on your back while t he technologist performs the test. No needles or injections are involved. The DE XA procedure is similar to having a standard X-ray. The amount of radiation used is very small. After the test Generally, you can resume your usual activities immediately. The results of your test will be reviewed by a specially trained technologist and board-certified d octors. Your test results will be provided to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you. Other information Retail stores sometimes sell a smaller version of the DEXA machine that measure bone mass in your forearm. However, these readings do not reflect the bone loss in your hips and spine, where the most common debilitating fractures occur. Medi care now covers bone density testing for many patients, as required in the Bone Mass Measurement Act of 1998.