What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bone density and bone quality are reduced. Osteoporosis causes bones to become more porous and brittle, which increases the risk of fracture. An estimated 54 million Americans over the age of 50 are affected by low bone mass or osteoporosis, and that number is expected to rise another 14 million by 2020.

The body is constantly absorbing and replacing bone tissue, but with osteoporosis the development of new bone cannot keep up with the removal of old bone. Generally, patients with osteoporosis do not experience any symptoms until the first bone fracture occurs. Though osteoporosis cannot be cured, it can be treated.

To prevent osteoporosis, adults should:

• Maintain a healthy, nutritious diet
• Consume adequate amounts of calcium
• Maintain an appropriate supply of Vitamin D
• Avoid drinking heavily
• Avoid smoking
• Participate regularly in exercise
• Avoid malnutrition