What were you doing 10 years ago? Since that time, your bones have been at work clearing out old bone cells and making new ones. You have an entirely new skeleton.
Unfortunately, as people age, bones break down faster than they are replaced, which can cause them to become thin and fragile. For millions of Americans, a disease called osteoporosis leads to loss of bone mass over time, putting them at an increased risk for bones to break and other complications.
Here are 6 myths – and facts – about osteoporosis from the University of Michigan Health System:
1. MYTH: Only women get osteoporosis.
FACT: “Although there are many more women who may develop this condition, there’s also a very significant portion of men who have this disease,” said Liselle Douyon, MD, an endocrinologist at the University of Michigan Health System. In fact, roughly two million men have osteoporosis, accounting for 20 percent of those diagnosed with the disease.
2. MYTH: Osteoporosis is a normal part of aging.
FACT: “It is a fact that you lose bone density with aging,” said Dr. Douyon. “But you should continue to have good bone strength, and you should not develop osteoporosis.”
3. MYTH: Osteoporosis is only a concern for the elderly.
FACT: It is never too early to begin thinking about strong bones. “Good bone health is something that starts early in life,” according to Dr. Douyon. Your bones begin building density from infancy through young adulthood. Most people have reached maximum bone density by age 35. “If maximum bone density is not achieved during that time, you will be at risk for developing osteoporosis,” she said.
4. MYTH: Osteoporosis is strictly hereditary.
FACT: While women with a family history of osteoporosis are at an increased risk of developing the disease, everyone is at risk. However, several factors can make you more likely to develop osteoporosis. “Certain kidney diseases, vitamin D deficiency, some hormonal diseases such as some thyroid disorders, Cushing’s syndrome, individuals who are treated with steroids for certain medical conditions, and certain types of cancer can contribute to osteoporosis,” she said.
5. MYTH: Broken bones are the only way to tell if you have osteoporosis.
FACT: Because osteoporosis has no symptoms, most people are not aware that they have it until something happens, like breaking a bone. However, this is not the only way to tell. A change in posture or loss in height may occur. To help determine whether bone loss has begun, it is important to get a bone density test every few years, especially for women who have entered menopause. The most common method of measuring bone density is a DEXA scan, which is a painless X-ray of your hip and spine.
6. MYTH: Osteoporosis cannot be prevented.
FACT: Building strong bones during childhood and the teen years is the best defense against developing osteoporosis later in life. Adults can take steps, too, to lower their risk of developing the disease. “In order to prevent osteoporosis, it’s very important that one has adequate nutrition, good calcium intake, exercise, and adequate vitamin D supplementation,” said Dr. Douyon. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, lifting weights and dancing are the best for building strong bones. Calcium intake is very important too. She recommends calcium supplementation throughout the entire lifespan, especially for women. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake also will lower your chances of developing osteoporosis. |
