Health

Porous Bones: A Public Health Concern

by Barbara McPherson | November 16, 2008 at 10:02 am

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Tradionally, osteoporosis or porous bones has been thought to be a disease of older women. With better diagnosic tools, we are increasingly aware that about 20% of men will develop this bone disease as well.
Because the consequences of untreated osteoporosis can be debilitating or fatal, it is important to know what the risk factors are and how to prevent or slow the onset of this silent disease. Many people who fall and break a hip require long term care, never regaining their mobility.

Osteoporosis, which means "porous bones," causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that even mild stresses like bending over, lifting a vacuum cleaner or coughing can cause a fracture. In most cases, bones weaken when you have low levels of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals in your bones.

A common result of osteoporosis is fractures — most of them in the spine, hip or wrist. Although it's often thought of as a women's disease, osteoporosis also affects many men. And aside from people who have osteoporosis, many more have low bone density.

It's never too late — or too early — to do something about osteoporosis. You can take steps to keep bones strong and healthy throughout life.

The US National Library of Medicine Medline Plus has an extensive tutorial on osteoporosis.
A new group of people increasingly at risk for porous bones is the growing number of sedentary young people. The best time for building bone mass is during childhood and adolesence. Building bone mass requires stressing the bones -- exercise and attention to a healthy diet -- limiting caffeine, high levels which are found in cola and energy drinks.

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