Osteoporosis is a serious
global healthcare problem, third only to obesity
and cardiovascular disease. It is a bone disease
characterized by low bone mass and
micro-deterioration of bone tissue leading to
bone fragility and increased risk of fractures.
200 million people worldwide have this
condition. Older individuals are at a greater
risk for developing osteoporosis. 33% of women
and 20% of men over 50 years of age will
experience osteoporotic fractures. 24% of those
who experience a hip fracture over 50 years of
age will die within the first year after the
fracture.
A medical diagnosis is
usually confirmed by a DEXA scan. The amount of
bone density loss is reported to you as a
T-score. A T-score of -1 to -2.4 indicates you
are osteopenic which is the precursor to
osteoporosis, while a T-score of -2.5 or below
is considered osteoporotic. For some, the first
indication of low bone density is a fracture.
For others, it could be the results following a
DEXA scan ordered by their physician. Numerous
risk factors can increase the likelihood of a
fracture. Some of these risk factors are within
your control, some are not.
