Have you ever had a fracture (broken bone)?

If you have a broken bone since the age of 50, you could have osteoporosis. You may be at high risk for more fractures. Fractures can cause disability, loss of independence, and even death. Talk to your doctor about getting tested to find out if you have osteoporosis.

May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month - Do you know your risk?

Join our support group or come to one of the professional events listed below.  Osteoporosis often goes undiagnosed and untreated.  Don't let it happen to you or someone you love. 

Are you shrinking?

Loss of more than 1.5 inches in height may be due to cractures (crushed bones) in the spine caused by osteoporosis. You can have fractures in the spine without knowing it and without back pain. If you are getting shorter, see your doctor and find out if you have fractures in the spine.

Be active!

 Most fractures are the result of falls. Don‘t fall down. Prevent falls by being active. Do regular weight-bearing physical activities (walking), muscle strengthening exercises (light weights, core strengthening), and consider balance training (yoga, Tai-Chi, pilates) to prevent falls.

Calcium is good for your bones.

Since calcium is lost from your body every day through urine and intestines, you must replace it daily or it will come out of your bones. Women over 50 and men over age 70 need a daily calcium intake of about 1200mg, ideally for your diet.

Vitamin D is good for your bones

Adults age 50 and older need about 1000 IU vitamin D per day. Since there are few good dietary sources of vitamin D, and exposure to the sun may not be enough, consider taking a vitamin D supplement. Your doctor may want to check your vitamin D blood level to be sure yours is OK. 

Medications can help

If your risk of breaking bones is high, you may want to consider taking medications to strengthen your bones and make them less likely to break. There are now many choices of osteoporosis medications. Your doctor can help you decide if you need a medication and which one is best. 

Men get osteoporosis too.

About 2 of every 10 people with osteoporosis are men. A bone density test to check for osteoporosis is recommended for all men age 70 and older. Younger men with a broken bone since the age of 50 should be tested as well.