All About Osteoporosis

Did you know...

• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men over the age of 50 have osteoporosis.

• Osteoporosis is a weakening of the interior structure of the bones.

• Osteoporosis develops without any pain or other symptoms.

• The best test for detecting osteoporosis is the DXA bone density test.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the interior structure of bone. If untreated, osteoporosis can progress until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, typically occur in the hip, spine and wrist.

Osteoporosis is the Silent Thief!

Osteoporosis usually develops over a long period of time without any physical discomfort or symptoms. This causes many seniors to dismiss osteoporosis as something that could not possibly affect them. Nothing could be further from the truth! Any senior's bone strength can be severely weakened before the first fracture occurs and they realize there is a problem.

Catching the Silent Thief before a crippling fracture occurs!

X-rays can only detect fractures and osteoporosis at an advanced stage. To catch osteoporosis before too much damage is done, bone density testing at hip and spine is the best tool available for determining early osteoporosis and a senior's risk of breaking a bone due to osteoporosis.

The Osteoporosis Society of Canada recommends that all men and women over the age of 65 have a DXA bone density test at the hip and spine. Many should have the test before age 65 because of various risk factors that may predispose them to develop osteoporosis.

A bone density test can:

• Detect osteoporosis before you break a bone.

• Predict your chance of breaking bones in the future.

• Determine if you are losing bone and, if so, how much.

Protect yourself against the Silent Thief!

Prevention is always the best strategy. However, in seniors who already have osteoporosis or show significant bone loss, diet (adequate calcium and vitamin D) and lifestyle (e.g. exercise) are not enough to significantly reduce the risk of breaking bones. Much research has been done to develop medications that are effective in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and in reducing the risk of fractures.

• Osteoporosis is preventable!

• Osteoporosis is treatable!

• Don't let osteoporosis rob you of your independence!

• Take the first step to protect yourself against osteoporosis by having a DXA bone density test!

Are you at risk for osteoporosis?

Take this Quick Osteoporosis Risk Test:

• Have you lost height or developed a spinal curve?

• Have you broken a bone since menopause?

• Have you taken corticosteroid tablets (cortisone, prednisone, etc.) for more than three months?

• Do you have back pain?

• Do you regularly drink alcohol?

• Do you smoke cigarettes?

• Do you absorb food poorly?

• Did you undergo menopause before the age of 45?

• Are you postmenopausal and not taking estrogen?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, you may be at risk for osteoporosis.

The Clinical Research Centre provides FREE bone density tests for individuals who qualify. Call 604-263-3661 to see if you are eligible!