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The "silent disease" -

Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It's sometimes called a "silent disease" because people who develop it may not notice any changes until a bone breaks.

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How does it occur? -

It occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both.

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Fragile bones -

The condition weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break.

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Taking a fall -

Osteoporosis develops slowly over several years. A broken bone is usually the first sign of the condition, a result perhaps of a fall or a sudden impact.

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"Porous bones" -

Osteoporosis means "porous bone." When viewed under a microscope, healthy bone appears like honeycomb. However, when osteoporosis occurs, the holes and spaces in the honeycomb are much larger—telltale signs of the onset of the disease.

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Stooped posture -

An outward physical sign of osteoporosis is the characteristic stooped (bent forward) posture of some elderly people, a result of broken bones in the spine that make it difficult to support the weight of the body.

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Back pain -

Back pain when standing or walking, but which eases when lying down, is a possible indicator of the disorder. In fact, the onset of back pain can in some cases be sudden and severe.

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Osteopenia -

The stage before osteoporosis is called osteopenia. This is when your bones are weaker than normal but not so far gone that they break easily. Osteopenia is detected by a bone density scan.

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Who's at risk? -

Losing bone is a normal part of aging. Osteopenia usually occurs after age 50. Osteoporosis tends therefore to develop in late middle age, and you're more likely to get it if you are a woman. Why is this?

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Older bones, lower bone mass -

Women have lower bone mass than men. On average, they also live longer, which means their bones age more. These two factors make females more susceptible to the condition.

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Effects of menopause -

Osteoporosis can be prompted by menopause, too. Women tend to lose bone rapidly in the first few years after menopause, a result of a deficiency in estrogen.

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Anyone can be afflicted -

But beware! Osteoporosis can also affect men, younger women, and even children.

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Other risk factors -

Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, conditions that upset the balance of nutrients needed to keep bones strong—calcium, for example— can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.

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Certain medications -

Taking high-dose corticosteroid tablets for more than three months can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Certain anti-seizure  drugs are also known to promote the condition.

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Lack of exercise -

Unhealthy habits, including a sedentary lifestyle, can contribute towards osteoporosis. Lack of exercise is a usual suspect.

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Family history -

Unfortunately, those with a family history of osteoporosis, especially a hip fracture in a parent, are prone to the condition.

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Common injuries -

And speaking of injuries, the most common trauma in people with osteoporosis include a broken wrist. Breaking a bone is a serious complication of osteoporosis, especially with older patients, and should be treated immediately.

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Broken vertebrae -

Damaged or broken spinal bones are also commonplace, and a cause of chronic (long-term) pain.

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Broken hip -

And a broken hip or fracture is a signature injury in those suffering from osteoporosis.

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Prevention and treatment -

Preventing the onset of osteoporosis begins at a young age. Taking up regular exercise helps keep bones strong and healthy.

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Strength training -

Weight-bearing exercises can prevent or slow osteopenia. Be sure to consult with your doctor before embarking on a strength-training program.

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Eat properly -

Eating properly is essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Making sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D keeps osteoporosis at bay. Choose foods like broccoli and spinach, dried beans, salmon, and eggs, and dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, and milk (go for low-fat or nonfat varieties).

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Stop smoking -

If you smoke, quit! And it's always wise to reduce alcohol consumption.

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Medication options -

If osteoporosis has taken hold and you've already lost a lot of bone density, taking certain medications— specifically bisphosphonates—can slow the process and help prevent and treat bone loss.

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Living with osteoporosis -

Besides taking medication, living with osteoporosis requires managing the condition on a physical level. This includes avoiding activities that place undue stress on your bones.

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Restricted movement -

While keeping mobile and flexible is important, avoid movements and any sport that involves twisting your spine. And refrain from bending forward at the waist, like sit-ups and toe touches.

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Preventing falls -

Help yourself reduce the risk of breaking a bone by preventing falls. Get used to standing up slowly, and use a cane or walking frame to maintain balance and remain steady on your feet.

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Install grab bars -

It's a good idea to install grab bars in your bathroom and elsewhere in the home. Besides making the environment safer and more senior friendly, they help maintain balance and lessen fatigue while standing.

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Invest in a stair lift -

If necessary, think about investing in a stair lift. It's an expensive option, but the return provides a simple, safe, and effective way of tackling a steep set of steps.

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What's the outlook? -

Adopting a healthy lifestyle at a young age can considerably reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis in later life. Avoiding the condition in the first place is a reminder for self-care. If osteoporosis has set in, you might find it helpful to talk to a trained counsellor or psychologist, or other people with the condition. A problem shared is indeed a problem halved.

See also: Ways to build healthy bones

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