May is Osteoporosis month, but what is Osteoporosis and who is affected?

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones over a period of time and affects approximately 57 Americans, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. The weakening and thinning of bones could put a person in risk of breaking bones or causing other skeletal issues. Most commonly women are usually affected after going through menopause because the cells in the body that is responsible for removing old bone are operating at a much faster rate than the cells responsible for rebuilding new bone and it is easily untreated because of its painless nature until a fracture occurs.

Though women of a certain age group are at higher risk, all are at risk for this disease. People tend to have a misguided interpretation of osteoporosis which is equated to frail and fragile bones affecting only the elderly and not the younger and active community. Osteoporosis affects a wide range of people and could quickly alter one’s lifestyle. Luckily this disease is treatable and treatment can help an individual maintain a healthy and active lifestyle without a high risk of fracture or interruption in activities.

Support the awareness campaign that was launched by the National Osteoporosis Foundation this May for National Osteoporosis Month. This campaign is entitled “Break Free from Osteoporosis” and it encourages people to learn the risk factors of the disease and make changes in their own life to build stronger bones.

 

Click here to learn more about this disease and the ways to reduce the chance of you getting osteoporosis or how to limit its affects.