Osteoporosis

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become brittle and are susceptible to breaking. The most common sites of fracture due to osteoporosis are the hip, wrist, and spine. Hip fractures can be extremely severe and almost always result in hospitalization and surgery.

Risk factors:

• Older age
• Female
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Caucasian, Asian, and Latino descent
• History of broken bones during adulthood
• Menopause
• A diet low in calcium, vitamin D, and/or phosphorous
• High protein diet
• High caffeine consumption
• Inactive lifestyle
• Smoking

Click here for an osteoporosis risk calculator for women over 50

Prevention:

• Consume enough calcium (click here to see calcium recommendations)
• Consume enough vitamin D
  • Adults under 50: 400-800 IU/da
  • Adults over 50: 800-1000 IU/day
• Participate in weight-bearing exercise 3 times per week
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol

Signs and Symptoms

In the early stages of bone loss, you usually have no pain or symptoms. But once bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, you may have signs and symptoms that include:

• Back pain: sometimes severe
• Loss of height over time, with an accompanying stooped posture
• Fracture of the vertebrae, wrists, hips or other bones

BYU Screenings

The BYU Wellness Program, in conjunction with Y-Be-Fit, sponsors a bone density screening each year during the summer months. BYU arranges with Deseret Mutual Benefits Administrators (DMBA) to provide this service for only $13 to post-menopausal women over the age of 45. This service includes a full-body scan. Hip and spine scans only are offered at the price of $65. For more information on the dates of the bone density screenings, please contact the BYU Wellness Program, or to set up your own appointment, contact Y-Be-Fit at 422-4494.

Click here to view the Wellness Newsletter, "Bone Density and Osteoporosis"