Osteoporosis Revisited

When bones become brittle and weak, making them susceptible to damage and fracture even in mild stresses, the clinical condition is called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis affects both men and women of all races. It is more common in women who are past menopause.

Mechanism of osteoporosis

Bones, when broken down, are replaced by new ones. When the creation of new bone does not keep up with the loss of the old one, osteoporosis occurs. As people age, bone mass is lost faster than it is created.

Symptoms

One you have weak bones, you might have the following signs and symptoms:

• Back pain caused by collapsed or fractured vertebra.

• Loss of height over time.

• Stooped posture.

• Bone that is easily broken or fractured.

Risk factors in osteoporosis

Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis compared to men. The older you get, the higher the risk for osteoporosis. A strong family history of osteoporosis increases your risk of having the same condition. Men and women who have small body frame size are more likely to develop osteoporosis. Other risk factors include: Low sex hormone levels (estrogen in women and testosterone in men), thyroid problems, corticosteroid, and cancer treatment. Sedentary lifestyle or lack of exercise and smoking increases the possibility of getting osteoporosis in people who are 35 and above. Low calcium intake increases the risk for bone loss and brittle bones.

How to avoid or at least delay osteoporosis

Drink milk everyday. Avoid smoking. Limit alcohol intake. Eat healthy foods. Drink plenty of water. Engage in regular exercise (Brisk walking; Climbing stairs; Dancing; Hiking; Jogging; Jumping rope; Step aerobics; Tennis, badminton, or other racket sports; and Yard work, heavy gardening, and pushing a lawnmower.

Smoking is linked to the development of osteoporosis

STOP SMOKING BEFORE IT KILLS YOU. Call Department of Health smoking “Quitline” at: 165-364. Call or text: 0921-2039534 (Smart) or 0977-6277539 (Globe).