November is Osteoporosis Month

This year's theme is "Don't Bend to Osteoporosis." Osteoporosis Canada reminds us that at least 2 million Canadians suffer from a disease without symptoms. Someone you know could have osteoporosis—it could even be you.

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become thin and porous. It's also not an overnight affliction: bone loss is often silent and painless and can occur without sign or symptom for many years. A painful osteoporotic fracture is often the first noticeable sign of osteoporosis. Fractures of the hip, spine and wrist are the most common, and the first two often end in significant lifestyle restrictions. One out of four hip fractures can result in death as early as one year following the fracture.

Moreover, when bones are severely weakened by osteoporosis, even simple movements such as bending over to pick up a bag of groceries and in some cases, sneezing or coughing, can cause them to break.

Contrary to some common stereotypes, osteoporosis, although more common in older individuals, can occur at any age. "Until fairly recently, most people considered osteoporosis and broken bones to be a normal part of aging. This is simply not true," says Julie Foley, President and CEO, Osteoporosis Canada.

Women are especially at risk. At menopause, when estrogen falls dramatically, bone loss happens more quickly. Other factors can cause bone loss as well. Smoking, drinking excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol, taking certain medications, and medical conditions like Crohn's or celiac disease can all increase risk.

Young women and young men attain their peak bone mass at the ages of 16 and 20, respectively. A diet rich in calcium and adequate vitamin D is essential, and though it's never too late to eat right for your bone health, it's crucial to maintain a bone-healthy diet in our early years to prepare ourselves for the bone deterioration that occurs later in life.

When a disease has no symptoms, you can't turn your back on it.

Almost 2 million Canadians suffer from osteoporosis. One in four women and at least one in eight men over the age of 50 has the disease; however, osteoporosis can strike at any age. There are approximately 27,000 hip fractures per year in Canada; data on spinal fractures is limited, but it is estimated that 65% of vertebral fractures go undetected. The cost of treating osteoporosis and the fractures it causes is estimated to be $1.9 billion each year in Canada alone. Long term, hospital and chronic care account for the majority of these costs.

Foley says, "Osteoporosis can have significant impact on an individual's quality of life. Recognizing osteoporosis risk factors and being proactive about them is an important step to a healthier, fracture-free future."

Osteoporosis Canada invites you to become informed, reduce your risks, and learn when you should get a bone density (BMD) test. Don't let osteoporosis sneak up on you and change your quality of life. Learn about your risk factors and get the recommended BMD test.

Osteoporosis Canada is the sponsor of Osteoporosis Month. Established in 1982, Osteoporosis Canada is the only national organization serving people who have, or are at risk of, osteoporosis. The Osteoporosis Canada website is a great source of information about preventing, diagnosing and treating the disease.

Learn how home care supports seniors who are dealing with the challenges of osteoporosis in "Living Independently with Osteoporosis."