Make No Bones About It- Know Your Risk for Osteoporosis

Your bones may support you, but they need your help to stay healthy. The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports about 10 million Americans have osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease in which your body loses bones or doesn’t make enough bone. Sometimes called the “silent disease” because bone loss occurs silently as we get older, meaning you may feel no warnings until you have a break. The result of not taking care of your bones is serious.

Ladies Listen Up!

Women face a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Of the estimated 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, about 80% are women[i].

Know the risks of bone loss
See if you meet any of these risk factors.

• I am a woman.
• I am white or Asian.
• My diet lacks vitamin D and calcium.
• I am not active.
• I broke a bone after age 50.
• One or more of my family members has osteoporosis.
• I am a heavy drinker.
• I smoke.
• I have low bone density.
• I have a chronic health condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or liver disease.
• I am older than age 50.
• I am thin or underweight, and small-boned.
• I take medication that can result in bone loss, such as blood thinners, anti-seizure drugs, breast or prostate cancer drugs, or certain steroids

 If one or more of these apply to you, you may be at risk for developing osteoporosis.

Preventing or delaying

Your bones need good eating habits and a good workout. One of the things you can do to put-off or prevent bone loss is adding weight-bearing exercises to your day. Talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. You can also do these things:

• Walking- just a walk around the block
• Dancing- listen to rock n' roll or disco. Get up and move your body
• Weight lifting- small weights can improve bone mass. This could mean lifting a gallon of milk or other kitchen items.
• Make sure you’re getting recommended dietary supplements for Calcium and Vitamin D
• Stop smoking
• Cut down on alcohol

Along with making some changes in your lifestyle, consider making your house safer from falls. This can involve:

• Improve the lighting in your home. Have handrails and lights put on all staircases. Place handles where needed in the bathroom.
• Remove things that can make you trip. Make sure your carpets are securely attached to the floor. Avoid using small throw rugs, which can slip under your feet.
• Arrange your furniture so it’s easy to move around your living space.

How are you tested?

A painless bone density test[ii] is used to find a loss in bone thickness and strength, and to see if you have osteoporosis or are at risk of bone loss over time.

If you are over 50 years old, or had any fracture or record of broken bones in your family talk to your doctor about a bone density scan.

You may need a painless bone density test if:

• You are a man or woman over age 50, a postmenopausal woman or are at risk of breaking a bone
• You have lost height, developed a stooped or hunched posture, or felt sudden back pain with no clear cause
• Your bone density is changing with age
• You have been taking glucocorticoid medications such as prednisone, cortisone, or dexamethasone for 2 months or longer or are taking other medications known to cause bone loss

Keep in mind that all adults naturally lose bone mass as they age. But some people are at greater risk for loss than others. If you have one or more risk factors for osteoporosis, talk with your doctor about the prevention strategies that may be right for you.

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[i] https://www.nof.org/preventing-fractures/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/

[ii] Coverage for a bone density test may vary based on your specific health plan. Talk with your doctor or login to Blue Access for Members for benefit information.

Originally published 8/3/2015; Revised 2017