More than 1 million Pennsylvanians have osteoporosis, a serious and debilitating disease that causes bones to weaken and fracture easily. Though once thought of as an inevitable condition of aging, it’s now addressed across all age groups, beginning in childhood.
Your bones are the strongest in your late teens and early twenties, followed by a “maintenance” period.
Then, after age 50, bone loss occurs more rapidly, particularly for women after menopause. Chronic steroid use, certain medications, early menopause, low testosterone levels, smoking, and previous fractures also can put you at additional risk.
Every person will experience bone loss in his or her lifetime, says Philadelphia physician and Pennsylvania Medical Society member John Cacciamani, MD, an internist and geriatrician.
“The development and maintenance of strong bones needs to begin in childhood and continue throughout your life. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D at all ages is critical, as is weight-bearing physical activity, like walking or jogging,” Dr. Cacciamani says.
Since osteoporosis can occur without symptoms, Dr. Cacciamani suggests talking with your doctor about having your bone mass measured. If you already have osteoporosis, ask about the many medications now available to address bone loss.