What is osteoporosis?

This silent but lethal disease often only makes itself known when the first fracture occurs...

Osteoporosis literally means 'porous bone'. This silent but lethal disease often only makes itself known when the first fracture occurs. The density and quality of bone are reduced, the loss of bone occurs progressively and as bone becomes more and more porous and fragile, the risk of fracture is greatly increased, particularly at the hip, spine and wrist. The incidence of these fractures increases with age in both women and men.

A common myth is that osteoporosis is a disease that generally affects post-menopausal women, and should simply be seen as a normal part of ageing. While it is indeed true that in women over 45 years of age, osteoporosis accounts for more days spent in hospital than may other diseases, including diabetes, myocardial infarction and breast cancer, men and children are also at risk.

One in three women and one in five men will be affected by osteoporosis - at different stages and for different reasons - in their lifetimes. This means that 4-6million South Africans are potential sufferers, many of them children who are poorly nourished.

The good news is that osteoporosis is now a largely treatable condition and, with a combination of lifestyle changes and appropriate medical treatment, many fractures can be avoided.

Women24.com - Ideas