In recent blogs I've talked about osteoporosis. It is a serious and often silent condition that gradually weakens your bones and can result in unwanted fractures, functional limitation, and posture changes. Much of it is preventable and prevention starts with early recognition, so it helps to know who is most at risk.

Although osteoporosis can affect anyone, including both men and women, some individuals are at higher risk for developing this problem. Here are some of the more common risk factors and at-risk individuals (taken from my book, "FrameWork- Your 7 Step Program for Healthy Muscles, Bones and Joints" by Rodale Press 2005):

• History of fractures as an adult. If you have sustained a fracture, especially if it was not due to major fall or trauma (i.e. relatively minor fall, ankle twist etc.) you should ask your orthopaedic surgeon about your bone health.
  
  
• Family history of fractures or osteoporosis. Osteoporosis runs in families.
  
  
• Cigarette smoking. Yet another reason to stop.
  
  
• Slight build or underweight. Being too too thin negatively affects your bones. This is especially true of femalre endurance athletes (i.e. distance runners), gymnasts, ballerinas and other females whose body fat gets so low that it interferes with their menstrual cycle and  also calcium metabolism which is directly related to hormonal changes that can occur. In this group, stress fractures can occur and should be a tip off to get things checked in terms of bone health and bone strength.
  
  
• Stress fractures (especially recurrent ones in females). See above comments.
  
  
• Eating disorders.
  
  
• White or Asian female.
  
  
• Sedentary lifestyle.
  
  
• Alchohol abuse.
  
  
• Low-calcium diet.
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• Vitamin D deficiency, including inadequate sunlight exposure.
  
  
• High caffeine intake.
  
  
• Females with an early menopause or hysterectomy.
  
  
• Certain medical disorders (i.e. thyroid dysfunction) or the use of certain medications (Prednisone, corticosteroids, Dilantin).

Osteoporosis can not usualy be diagnosed by X-rays alone unless it is pretty advanced. At that point it is often too late to do much about it. There is however a very simple painfree test to screen for osteopenia and osteoporosis. It is called a DEXA scan. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends a DEXA scan for women over age 65 as well as younger women, or even men considered at-risk for osteoporosis (see above). the DEXA scan is also important as a baseline to moniter bone losses or gains over time, especially for those with osteoporosis who are under treatment to try to re-build their bones.

The more you know about your bones, the less likely you are to have problems. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has great information about preventing, evaluating and treating osteoporosis.

What are you doing to keep your bones strong for life? Share your ideas and programs.