Osteoporosis Prevention at Any Age

CLINTON, Iowa  -- Osteoporosis is a very real threat for millions of Americans, but there are preventative measures everyone can take.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, nearly 44 million Americans are at risk for osteoporosis. Already, about 10 million individuals have the disease and another 34 million are affected by low bone mass, putting them at risk for osteoporosis.

The Mayo Clinic defines osteoporosis as a condition which causes bones to become weak and brittle, meaning that fractures can be caused by simple things like bending over, lifting a vacuum cleaner or coughing.

Dr. Wade Lenz of Clinton's Medical Associates says that Caucasian, thin females have the highest risk of contracting osteoporosis. Some men also have an elevated risk, especially if they take chronic steroids and medication that reduces calcium.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the older people become, the higher their risk of osteoporosis.

Other risk factors listed by the NOF include a family history of osteoporosis, being small and thin, an inactive lifestyle, smoking and excessive alcohol intake and certain medications such as steroid medications.

Lenz also indicated that individuals who take PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) like Nexium and Prilosec, may be at a higher risk of osteoporosis.

"The key in management is prevention," Dr. Mona Alqulali, board certified OB-GYN, said of osteoporosis.

According to Alqulali, bone formation is a dynamic process throughout life. In women, from birth to age 32, bones are building. After age 32, this process stops and after menopause, it starts to go down, with bones becoming weaker.

"Accumulate the biggest density you can up to age 32," said Alqulali, who indicated that calcium and vitamin D help keep bones healthy.