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Osteoporosis Awareness Month |
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Each May the
National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) celebrates Osteoporosis Awareness
and Prevention Month.
Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone
mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone
fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures, especially of
the hip, spine and wrist, although any bone can be affected.
In simpler terms, osteoporosis is a
condition in which the bones become weak and can break from a minor fall
or, in serious cases, from a simple action such as a sneeze. |
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BOSS ADS |
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Elsabet H. Tekle, DDS LLC
- A Caring Dentist
Dr. Tekle and
staff focus on the total elimination of pain through the use of nitrous
oxide analgesia and painless injection techniques. We provide
conservative white fillings, smile makeover, teeth whitening, implants,
treatment for dysfunctional TMJ and gum disease. |
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Previous
Health Topics |
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Prevention
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About 85-90% of adult bone
mass is acquired by age 18 in girls and 20 in boys. Building
strong bones during childhood and adolescence can help to
prevent osteoporosis later in life.
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Together, the following five
steps can optimize bone health and help prevent
osteoporosis:
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Get the daily recommended
amounts of calcium and vitamin D
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Engage in regular
weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise
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Avoid smoking and
excessive alcohol
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Talk to your healthcare
provider about bone health
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Have a bone density test
and take medication when appropriate
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A study of disease management
in a rural healthcare population demonstrated that a
preventive program was able to reduce hip fractures and save
money.
Osteoporosis Prevalence: Gender
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Of the 10 million Americans
estimated to have osteoporosis, eight million are women and
two million are men.
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Eighty percent of those
affected by osteoporosis are women.
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Twenty percent of those
affected by osteoporosis are men.
Osteoporosis Prevalence:
Race/Ethnicity
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Significant risk has been
reported in people of all ethnic backgrounds.
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Twenty percent of
non-Hispanic Caucasian and Asian women aged 50 and older are
estimated to have osteoporosis, and 52 percent are estimated
to have low bone mass.
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Seven percent of non-Hispanic
Caucasian and Asian men aged 50 and older are estimated to
have osteoporosis, and 35 percent are estimated to have low
bone mass.
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Five percent of non-Hispanic
black women over age 50 are estimated to have osteoporosis;
an estimated additional 35 percent have low bone mass that
puts them at risk of developing osteoporosis.
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Four percent of non-Hispanic
black men aged 50 and older are estimated to have
osteoporosis, and 19 percent are estimated to have low bone
mass.
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Osteoporosis is under
recognized and under-treated not only in Caucasian women,
but in African-American women as well.
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Ten percent of Hispanic women
aged 50 and older are estimated to have osteoporosis, and 49
percent are estimated to have low bone mass.
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Three percent of Hispanic men
aged 50 and older are estimated to have osteoporosis, and 23
percent are estimated to have low bone mass.
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When compared with other
ethnic/racial groups, risk is increasing most rapidly among
Hispanic women.
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Experts predict that costs
related to osteoporotic fractures among Hispanics will
increase from an estimated $754 million in 2005 to $2
billion per year in 2025.
Symptoms
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People cannot feel their
bones getting weaker. They may not know that they have
osteoporosis until they break a bone. A person with
osteoporosis can fracture a bone from a minor fall, or in
serious cases, from a simple action such as a sneeze or even
spontaneously.
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Vertebral (spinal) fractures
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. In many cases, a vertebral fracture can
even occur with no pain.
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Women can lose up to 20
percent of their bone mass in the five to seven years after
menopause, making them more susceptible to osteoporosis.
Risk Factors
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