November 2024 is Osteoporosis Month

November 2024 is Osteoporosis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about this “silent disease” that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. Osteoporosis often progresses without noticeable symptoms until a bone breaks, making early detection and prevention crucial.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis happens when the creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the removal of old bone.¹ This leads to bones becoming fragile and more likely to break, even from minor falls or bumps. Often referred to as a “silent disease,” osteoporosis may not cause noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs.

What are the risk factors?

Several factors can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis:²

• Age: The risk of osteoporosis increases as you get older.
• Sex: Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
• Family History: Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis increases your risk.
• Bone structure and body weight: Small-boned and thin individuals are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis.
• Certain medical conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and eating disorders can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity can contribute to bone loss and thus osteoporosis.
• Medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids, can increase osteoporosis risk.

How to reduce your risk

• Calcium and vitamin D: Ensure adequate intake of the bone-building vitamins and minerals, calcium and vitamin D, intake through diet or supplements.^3,4
• Weight-bearing exercise: Engage in activities like walking, jogging, or dancing to strengthen bones.⁴
• Healthy lifestyle: Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.⁴
• Fall prevention: Make your home environment safe to minimize fall risks.⁴

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

Early stages of osteoporosis often have no noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, you may experience:

• Back pain: Caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra.
• Loss of height: Gradual decrease in height over time.
• Stooped posture: A curved or hunched back.
• Bone fractures: Bones that break easily, even from minor falls.

What you can do Osteoporosis November 2024

This November, learn more about osteoporosis, its risk factors, and prevention strategies, and share the information with your family and friends. 

You can talk to your doctor to discuss your risk factors and whether a bone density test is appropriate for you.

Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations dedicated to osteoporosis research and education.

• Osteoporosis Canada: https://osteoporosis.ca/
• Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation: https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/support-bhof/

Take charge of your bone health this Osteoporosis Awareness Month. By understanding the risks and taking preventive measures, you can help build strong bones for a lifetime of healthy activity.

References

1. Porter JL, Varacallo M. Osteoporosis. 2023 Aug 4. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 28722930.
2. Osteoporosis (2023) National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoporosis (Accessed: 16 October 2024). 
3. Sunyecz JA. The use of calcium and vitamin D in the management of osteoporosis. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2008 Aug;4(4):827-36. doi: 10.2147/tcrm.s3552. PMID: 19209265; PMCID: PMC2621390.
4. (No date) NHS choices. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/prevention/ (Accessed: 16 October 2024).