Poor us, bones? Not a clever skeleton joke...

Osteoporosis, or porous bone (get it now), is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures, especially of the hip, spine, and wrist, although any bone can be affected.  It is often called a "silent disease" because bone loss occurs without symptoms.  People may not know that they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump, or fall causes a fracture or a vertebra to collapse.  Collapsed vertebrae may initially be felt or seen in the form or severe back pain, loss of height, or spinal deformities such as kyphosis or stooped posture.

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans, or 55 percent of the people 50 years of age or older.  In the U.S.. 10 million individuals are estimated to already have the disease and almost 34 million more are estimated to have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis.

Of the 10 million American estimated to have osteoporosis, eight million are women and two million are men.

By about age 20, the average woman has acquired 98 percent of her skeletal mass.  Building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can be the best defense against developing osteoporosis later.  There are five steps which together can optimize bone health and help prevent osteoporosis.

1. A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
2. Weight-bearing and resistance-training exercises
3. A healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive alcohol intake
4. Talking to one's healthcare professional about bone health
5. Bone density testing and medication when appropriate