Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease. Although preventable, osteoporosis affects many of us as we age. Its result - thinning, fragile bones - can lead to fractures, pain, disability, and loss of independence. It is never too early, or too late, to protect yourself against this "silent thief" by ensuring that your body receives enough bone-building calcium.

What is osteoporosis?

Your bones are living tissue in a constant process of erosion and renewal called remodeling, which keeps them strong. Osteoporosis robs your bones of calcium, so more bone tissue is being removed than replaced. The condition involves loss of bone mass as well as deterioration of bone tissue, so bones not only become thinner, but more fragile.

Is it serious?

This condition is a health concern because one million women and 400,000 men in Canada have osteoporosis. The cost of treating this condition is more than $1.3 billion per year, and is expected to increase with the aging of the population. Osteoporosis means bones are more easily fractured, and osteoporotic fractures can have significant consequences. Hip fractures tend to be the most serious - they often require long hospital stays and have been associated with an increased risk of death. About 20% of women and 34% of men who fracture a hip die in less than a year.

What causes osteoporosis?

There is no single cause of osteoporosis; however, it is associated with several risk factors. Some, such as heredity, cannot be influenced. Others are lifestyle factors that you can control. Your risk increases with each factor that applies to you. How can you reduce your risk?

Risk factors you cannot change

• Low peak bone mass
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Female, or over 50 years of age
• Caucasian/Asian
• Small-boned or very thin
• Ovaries removed, irregular or absent menstruation, early menopause
• Primary hyperparathyroidism
• Long-term use of steroid or anti-convulsant medications

• Poor diet, low in calcium
• Little sunlight or dietary vitamin D
• Frequent dieting to lose weight
• Physical inactivity
• Daily intake of more than two alcoholic drinks
• More than three cups of coffee, tea, or cola
• Cigarette smoking
• Low estrogen levels (e.g. due to menopause)

How can I tell if I have it, or am at risk?

Osteoporosis develops slowly, often without symptoms. Awareness and early diagnosis are important - every bone-building day counts. There's good evidence that even people who have osteoporosis can reduce bone loss, and some may actually increase bone density with exercise and sufficient calcium.

If you're at risk for osteoporosis, it can be painlessly diagnosed with a bone mineral density (BMD) test of your spine and hips. With this new technology, experts can diagnose osteoporosis at a very early stage, or predict your likelihood of developing it.