Osteoporosis - The Next Epidemic

Do you know that...fast-paced, eat-on-the-run lifestyle, Americans are
*8 million women and 2 million men currently have thisprime "targets" for this disease.
disease in the U.S.What can we do? Do your research. Do an internet
*80% of the people who have osteoporosis aresearch of the BEST study or the Bone, Estrogen,
womenStrength Training Study done at University of Arizona
*33% of men older than 75 years of age havefrom 1995-2001. The findings of this research effort
osteoporosisare helpful in knowing how we can adjust our lifestyle
*50% of women and 13% of men over 50 years ofto live with strong, healthy bones into later life.
age will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in theirThe BEST Exercise Program for Osteoporosis
lifetimePrevention by Lohman et al gives specific training and
What exactly is osteoporosis, this disease that isnutritional information to get you started in the
predicted to be the next epidemic in this country?proper direction.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by lowWork with young people to encourage the
bone mass and deterioration of the bone tissue suchattainment of the highest possible peak bone mass
that a person is more prone to fractures. Osteopeniathrough proper nutrient intake, exercise, and other
is a related term which "stands" for a less severelifestyle practices like limiting smoking and alcohol
"case" of low bone mass.consumption. This is critical.
The statistics are alarming. Once a person suffers aWork to prevent osteoporosis in older adults
hip fracture, there is a 1 in 3 chance of them EVER(especially postmenopausal women) by educating
regaining the level of independence that they hadthem about proper positive lifestyle choices like
prior to it! Twenty percent of the people suffering aphysical activity and proper dietary habits, and the
hip fracture die within a year of such an event.need for appropriate diagnosis and screening when
Why is there such an increase in this disease?treatment is necessary.
Osteoporosis is linked to lack of physical activity andWe can reduce the likelihood of this disease one step
poor dietary intake. With our sedentary culture andat a time! But we need to start NOW!