You are a woman, and the fact is an estimated one in two women will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime. And what about your daughter? Paying attention to your daughter’s nutrition and exercise now can help prevent the problems associated with osteoporosis in the future.

A simple low-impact fall causes a wrist fracture, or worse, a hip fracture—is it osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis occurs when there is a loss in bone density, which causes the bone to become porous and weak. This makes it easier to sustain a fracture, mostly in the spine, hip, or wrist.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, significant risk of osteoporosis has been reported in people of all ethnic backgrounds.

• 20 percent of non-Hispanic Caucasian and Asian women ages 50 and older are estimated to have osteoporosis, and 52 percent are estimated to have low bone density.
• 5 percent of non-Hispanic black women age 50 and older are estimated to have osteoporosis; an estimated additional 35 percent have low bone density that puts them at risk of developing osteoporosis.
• 10 percent of Hispanic women age 50 and older are estimated to have osteoporosis, and 49 percent are estimated to have low bone density.

Risk Factors

• A history of osteoporosis in your family; if mother had it, risks are doubled.
• A small or thin body frame.
• Smoking and/or heavy drinking.
• Poor diet and a diet lacking in adequate calcium and vitamin D.
• Low estrogen levels due to menopause or hysterectomy.
• Taking certain medications such as glucocorticoids, thyroid hormones, anticonvulsants and/or aluminum-containing antacids.
• History of an eating disorder.
• High intake of caffeine, meaning intake of more than three cups of coffee, tea or soda per day.
• A sedentary lifestyle with very little exercise or physical activity.

“The best treatment for osteoporosis is prevention, and that’s equivalent to pediatric care,” said Norman Kettner, DC, DACBR, chair of the department of radiology at Logan College of Chiropractic. “The simplest tools can prevent osteoporosis—a lifestyle that focuses on nutrition and exercise. Any member of a family who walks down the aisle of the grocery store and picks up Coca-Cola instead of bananas is having an effect on the osteoporosis patients of the future.”

Source: www.aconews.com; Dr. Paul Aaron; March 11, 2012.