The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Tomorrow is the start of November, Osteoporosis Month, and Osteoporosis Canada is letting Canadians know that they can beat the break. Osteoporosis affects more than 1.4 million Canadians. Its symptoms are low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, which increases the risk of breaking bones, particularly the hip, spine and wrist. There are many risk factors for osteoporosis, some of which can be changed. The risks you canÕt do anything about include age, family history, previous fractures and hormone imbalances. Lifestyle changes can minimize the effects of the other risk factors, which include excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, living a sedentary lifestyle and suffering frequent falls. Knowing which risk factors apply to you and taking action to manage them can help you to reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis risk factors are additive. This means that the more risk factors you have, the greater the chance of developing the disease. If you think you might be at risk, Osteoporosis Canada encourages you to beat the break by: Visiting www.osteoporosis.ca to take the 60-second risk quiz and to find out more about osteoporosis. Speaking with your doctor about your osteoporosis risk and risk reduction strategies, including nutrition, physical activity and whether you should have a bone mineral density (BMD) test. Osteoporosis can be regarded as a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences. Since peak bone mass is reached in adolescence, it is important for children and youths to build bone mass by eating a calcium-rich, balanced diet, getting enough vitamin D from their diet, sun exposure or supplements, and getting plenty of physical activity. Bone mineral loss typically begins in the mid-30s. Therefore adults should continue to eat a calcium-rich, balanced diet, get the required vitamin D and exercise regularly. Maintaining bone health as you age is a key part of fighting osteoporosis. This is especially important for people over 50 who have broken bones since a history of fractures increases the risk of future breaks. Adding a vitamin and/or mineral supplement helps to ensure adequate intake of calcium and Vitamin D. Osteoporosis Canada recommends a daily calcium intake of 1500 mg and a daily Vitamin D intake of at least 800IUs for adults over 50. In Canada, most adults need a vitamin D supplement from October to April. Those over 50, or with limited exposure to the sun, should take one all year. For osteoporosis, the best defense is a strong offense; therefore, itÕs important to identify your individual risk factors and speak to your doctor to develop a strategy that includes a diet, exercise and lifestyle plan that can help you beat the break. See 'Facts' on pg. Continued from pg. For more information and to assess your level of risk, visit www.osteoporosis.ca or call 1-800-463-6842. Facts About Osteoporosis The most common sites of osteoporotic fracture are the wrist, spine and hip. No single cause for osteoporosis has been identified. Osteoporosis can strike at any age. Osteoporosis is often called the Òsilent thiefÓ because bone loss occurs without symptoms. ÊOsteoporosis can result in disfigurement, lowered self-esteem, reduction or loss of mobility, and decreased independence. 1 in 4 women and at least 1 in 8 men over 50 have osteoporosis. Loss of 1 1/2Ó or more in height may be an indicator of osteoporosis. The cost of treating osteoporosis and the fractures it causes is estimated to be $1.3 billion each year in Canada. 70 per cent of hip fractures are osteoporosis related. Several medications are now available for the treatment of osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates are the most commonly prescribed. Regular physical activity, in particular weight-bearing exercise, is an important factor in reducing the risk of osteoporosis, reducing falls and broken bones, and helping people with osteoporosis to remain active. It is never too late to take steps to reduce further bone loss. Smoking, excess caffeine and excess alcohol all contribute to bone loss.
