Could You Have OSTEOPOROSIS?

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. If not prevented or if left untreated osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks.

What are the effects of osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis dramatically increases the risk of a bone breaking, breaks commonly occur in the hip, spine and wrist. Spinal fractures cause stooped posture, loss of height, and chronic back pain. Hip fractures, the most serious consequence of osteoporosis, can result in permanent disability and even death.

Are you at risk?

Any of the below ‘risk factors’ can increase the likelihood of having Osteoporosis:

• Older than 50 years
• Have low body weight
• Suffer early menopause or had surgery to remove both ovaries before menopause
• History of fractures as an adult
• Close relative with a history of fractures as an adult or a history of Osteoporosis
• Long term, low calcium intake
• Inadequate physical activity
• Current cigarette smoking
• Alcoholism
• Use of certain medications such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsant s
• History of an eating disorder or bowel disease

What can you do about it?

If you have any of the previously mentioned risk factors and/or feel you may have Osteoporosis talk to your GP, once diagnosed Osteoporosis is treatable. With the right treat ment bone loss can be replaced in the majority of people. Osteoporosis is quickly and painlessly diagnosed using a DEXA scanner