Think Osteoporosis is an old-lady disease? Think Again!

Osteoporosis… the facts

If you think osteoporosis is something that only your Grandmother has to worry about, you’re wrong. Here are the facts that you need to know:

• More than 44 million Americans are at risk
• One out of every two women over 50 will develop the disease
• More than 2 million American men suffer from it
• Osteoporosis can strike at any age
• $14 billion was spent last year on osteoporosis related injuries.

“Preventing osteoporosis begins in adolescence and continues through age 30, the years when your bone mass is being established. That is why diet, exercise and healthy life-style choices made during this phase of your life are so important. They’ll have the greatest impact on your bone health when you are 50 years old and beyond.”
—Helene Leonetti, M.D.Lehigh Valley Hospital & Health Network

What Is Osteoporosis?

Keys to Prevention:

1. Talk with your doctor and have a bone density scan if you are at risk for the disease.
2. Don’t smoke and avoid alcohol.
3. Be sure to get the daily-recommended amounts of calcium (1,000 mg/day), vitamin D (400–800 IU/day) & magnesium (250-500 mg/day).
4. Participate in strength-training exercises; walk, dance, hike – try whatever form of exercise that will help to keep your muscles strong and your bones healthy.

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