Osteoporosis Prevention, Aid & Symptoms

Osteoporosis, which is sometimes known as 'porous bone', is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist. Osteoporosis prevention is the best way to combat this disease. Men as well as women suffer from osteoporosis, and need to embark on an osteoporosis prevention program at a timely point in life.

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for 28 million Americans, 80% of whom are women. Currently, in the U.S., 10 million individuals already have osteoporosis and 18 million more have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for this disease. Few people have an osteoporosis prevention program at place in their lives. One out of every two women and one in eight men over 50 will have an osteoporosis related fracture in their lifetime, making osteoporosis prevention very important. More than 2 million American men suffer from osteoporosis, and millions more are at risk. Each year, 80,000 men suffer a hip fracture and one-third of these men die within a year. Osteoporosis prevention should be the first line of defense. This disease must be better understood in order to be more effectively treated, but osteoporosis prevention is key.

A variety of drugs exist to help in osteoporosis prevention, or in treating the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis. Researchers are studying whether a yearly infusion of the drug Zometa (generic name, zoledronic acid) is as effective as daily doses of similar drugs such as Actonel (generic name, risedronate sodium), or Fosamax (generic name, alendronate) in osteoporosis prevention or treating osteoporosis. Preliminary results have shown that annual, semi-annual, and quarterly infusions of Zometa increase bone mineral density. If large clinical trials confirm its effectiveness in osteoporosis prevention, the manufacturer of Zometa may file for U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in 2005. However, many people find the drug related regimens and side effects of these medications used in osteoporosis prevention and aid to be bothersome and invasive. Natural steps in osteoporosis prevention may be the most desirable way to deal with this disease. Osteoporosis prevention equates to total avoidance of the dehabilitating symptoms. In looking at ways to implement an osteoporosis prevention program of your own, first consider some of the risk factors that go hand in hand with this disease. Especially consider the risk factors that you can affect and change.

Certain factors are linked to the development of osteoporosis, and osteoporosis prevention, or contribute to an individuals likelihood of developing the disease. These are called "risk factors." Many people with osteoporosis have several of these risk factors, but others who develop osteoporosis have no identified risk factors. There are some risk factors that you cannot change, and others that you can, in your quest for osteoporosis prevention:

Risk factors you cannot change in considering an osteoporosis prevention plan: Gender - Your chances of developing osteoporosis are greater if you are a woman. Women have less bone tissue and lose bone more rapidly than men because of the changes involved in menopause.
Age - the older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis. Your bones become less dense and weaker as you age. There is no osteoporosis prevention when it is age related.
Body size - Small, thin-boned women are at greater risk.
Ethnicity - Caucasian and Asian women are at highest risk. African-American and Latino women have a lower but significant risk.
Family history - Susceptibility to fracture may be, in part, hereditary. People whose parents have a history of fractures also seem to have reduced bone mass and may be at risk for fractures. Osteoporosis prevention methods can greatly help in this area.

Risk factors you can change, and make a difference in your osteoporosis prevention program:
Sex hormones: abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea), low estrogen level (menopause), and low testosterone level in men.
Anorexia.
A lifetime diet low in calcium.
Use of certain medications, such as glucocorticoids or some anticonvulsants.
An inactive lifestyle or extended bed rest and Lack of exercise.
Cigarette smoking.
Excessive use of alcohol.
Vitamin D deficiency.
Excessive caffeine.

Getting enough calcium is important for developing and keeping strong bones, and in osteoporosis prevention. If the body is not getting enough calcium, it will draw the calcium out of the bones. Calcium, Vitamin D, and exercise can reduce the bone loss, and help with osteoporosis prevention in many people. The recommended daily amount of calcium is 1,500 milligrams (mg) for adolescents, 1,200 mg for adults and 1,500 mg for postmenopausal women. 1,200 mg of calcium is equal to about 4 cups of milk or 4 cups of calcium fortified orange juice. Adequate dietary calcium, even as an adult, can help replace the bone loss that occurs with aging, and can help with osteoporosis prevention. Low-fat dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, and calcium-fortified orange juice are good calcium sources.

Physical activity enhances bone development, while lack of exercise benefits significant bone loss. Exercise programs should be aimed at increased strength, coordination, balance and flexibility in order to help with osteoporosis prevention. Weight-bearing exercises are good, although simple activities such as walking and hiking also may be helpful. Exercise, is essential for bone health. Weight-bearing activities like walking helps to make muscles and bones stronger, and can be very effective at osteoporosis prevention.

For gender related osteoporosis prevention and aid, estrogen is currently the agent of choice for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Estrogen preserves bone density, and has been shown to reduce the risk of
bone fractures by approximately 50 percent, making it very effective at osteoporosis prevention. Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a viable method for osteoporosis prevention.