Osteoporosis affects more than 20 million women and 5 million men in the U.S., most of whome are over the age of 50. A woman's risk of an osteoporosis-related injury, such as hip fracture, is equal to the combined risk of developing breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer. Studies have proven that up to 20% of women who suffer a hip fracture will die within one year of the fracture.

Visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation for more facts about this disease: www.nof.org

Osteoporosis is a disease that reduces the strength of your bones, causing them to become brittle, less dense, and considerably more prone to fractures. Until recently, osteoporosis was often undiagnosed, progressing silently over the years until a fracture occurred.

Know the Risks
After menopause, women experience bone loss because of a natural decrease in estrogen. Many with osteoporosis have no symptoms, even while the disease progresses. That's why regular exams are so important.

In addition to age, the following factors add to your risk of developing osteoporosis:

• Caucasian or Asian descent
• Having a thin or small build
• History of fracture
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Early menopause
• Smoking
• Inactive lifestyle
• Medications such as steroids and thyroid hormones
• Alcohol abuse
• Inadequate calcium intake
  

DEXA Helps Identify and Overcome Osteoporosis
Therapeutic interventions and use of bone density testing to diagnose and monitor osteoporosis have given physicians technology and treatment options that were unavailable in the past. DEXA can diagnose osteoporosis early, and prevent many of the fractures associated with the disease.