DuBOIS — Are you worried about bone fractures? If you are 50 and older, you should be paying attention to your bone health.

Osteoporosis, which affects 10 million Americans, is a primary cause of bone fractures in older adults. Nearly 2.3 million osteoporosis related fractures occur annually in the U.S. and the number continues to rise. This leads to more hospitalizations than heart attacks, strokes and breast cancer combined.

Osteoporosis weakens the bones — making them more likely to break. It is caused by a decrease in bone mineral density and mass, as well as changes in bone structure and strength, resulting in weak and brittle bones. Osteoporosis commonly affects the hip, wrist and spine but can occur anywhere in the body.

“Osteoporosis is a ‘silent’ disease because most people do not have symptoms until they break a bone,” said Dr. Ajay K. Mathur, a board-certified rheumatologist at Penn Highlands Rheumatology in Monongahela.

Osteoporosis is a major cause of fractures in postmenopausal women and in older men. It could account for more than a 50% lifetime risk of fracture for women and a 20% lifetime risk for men. There is an increased risk of death and disability with fractures of the hip and spine.

Some individuals may have several risk factors, while others may not have any risk factors. Sir William Osler, often called the “Father of Modern Medicine,” has said, “It is much more important to know what sort of a patient has a disease rather than what sort of a disease the patient has.”

Factors that may increase your risk for osteoporosis include the following:

• Sex — Women are at a greater risk for osteoporosis because they have less bone tissue and lose bone faster than men because of the changes that happen during menopause. Men are still at risk, however, especially men over age 70.
• Age — Your bones become thinner and weaker as you age.
• Body size — Slender women and men are at greater risk because they have less bone than larger boned women and men.
• Race — All races are vulnerable to osteoporosis, but white and Asian women are at the highest risk.
• Family history — According to recent research, your risk may also increase if one of your parents has a history of osteoporosis or hip fracture.
• Diet — A diet low in calcium and vitamin D may increase your risk, as well as excessive dieting or poor protein intake.
• Smoking — Smoking can interfere with bone-forming cells, reduce calcium absorption and disrupt hormone levels leading to lower bone density.
• Alcohol consumption — Consuming two to three drinks a day can negatively impact bone health by interfering with nutrient absorption.
• Medications — Certain drugs such as corticosteroids, which are prescribed for many conditions ranging from asthma to autoimmune disorders, also increase the risk.

“Some of these risk factors, such as diet, you can control, while others are tied to genetics and are out of your hands,” said Mathur. “But even though you cannot change some of your risk factors, understanding that you are at a higher risk is important for taking steps to keep your bones strong.”

In some cases, osteoporosis can be prevented, and diet and exercise play an important role in not only prevention but also treatment.

• Calcium, vitamin D and protein are key in preventing osteoporosis. Men and women between the ages of 18 and 50 should get 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. When women turn 50 and men turn 70, the daily recommended amount bumps up to 1,200 milligrams. Good sources of calcium include low-fat dairy, leafy green vegetables, fish and fortified juices, milk and grains. If your vitamin D level is low, talk with your doctor about taking a supplement.
• Weight-bearing exercise, such as strength training, walking, hiking, jogging and climbing stairs can help build and strengthen your bones.
• Alcohol consumption in moderation or not at all is recommended due to the harm it can cause to your bones.

Some good news is that awareness of osteoporosis is improving. Excellent risk assessment and diagnostic tools are now available. A bone density test is an effective screening method and is recommended for post-menopausal women around the age of 65, and men age 70 and older.

Osteoporosis is commonly treated with medication — and the options are extensive. Effective and safe drugs are available to slow the progression and emerging treatments are on the horizon.

“Treatment of osteoporosis requires a holistic approach. Education, preventive measures, early diagnosis and optimal drug treatments with close monitoring can all be achieved today. Following an exam, your physician will determine the best option for you,” added Mathur.

To learn more, visit phhealthcare.org/rheumatology.