Many think that osteoporosis is a disease effecting only the elderly. OsteoporosisOne may associate osteoporosis with older women whose backs are slightly hunched over and can no longer stand up straight. The truth is that an estimated 20 million American women suffer from osteoporosis, and 80% of them don’t even know it.

Osteoporosis is a chronic, progressive condition that steals bone from the body, leading to fractures of the spine, hip and wrist. Older people can suffer significant disability and even death from osteoporosis-related fractures. Alarmingly, one in two women and one in eight men will suffer from an osteoporosis-related fracture in his or her lifetime. 

Many people confuse osteoporosis with arthritis, and wait for swollen joints and discomfort before being tested. Even though osteoporosis is painless until a bone fracture occurs, it is important discuss your bone health with your doctor and adjust your lifestyle to build strong bone early in life and prevent falls later in life.