World Osteoporosis Day- Facts & Figures on Osteoporosis

By      20-Oct 2020       Reading Time: 5 Mins

World Osteoporosis Day- Facts & Figures on Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a profound condition in adults. It affects the bones in a manner that they become so weak and brittle, that a fall or even bending can cause a fracture. Bone density (bone mass) is set on a decline after reaching 35 years of age and bone loss happen more quickly in women after reaching menopause.

The risk factors for osteoporosis are: 

  • Genetics
  • Lack of calcium and vitamin D
  • A history of fractures 
  • Smoking
  • Consumption of excessive alcohol 
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Low body weight 
  • Ancestry of osteoporosis

Some facts and figures relating to osteoporosis: 

  • Globally, at least one in three women and one in five men, above 50 years of age suffer from a fracture- caused by weak bones. And the quality of life is affected.
  • Osteoporosis, over the world, causes more than 8.9 million fractures annually, which means- an osteoporotic fracture every 3 seconds.
  • 33% of the older adults who go through a hip fracture, become physically impaired and lose their ability to live by themselves only after one year of the fracture.
  • One in five will at least die within the year of the fracture.
  • Spine fractures can cause extreme pain, long or short term disability, and substantial loss in the quality of life.
  • 80%, 75%, 70% and 58% of forearm, humerus, hip and spine fractures, respectively, happen to women. Largely, 61% of osteoporotic fractures happen to women, with the female-to-male ratio being 1.6.
  • Close to 75% of the hip, spine and distal forearm fractures happen among patients of 65 or more of age.
  • A 10% loss of bone density in the vertebrae can multiply the risk of vertebral fractures by 2, on the contrary to 2.5 times greater risk of hip fracture, if a 10% loss of bone density occurs.
  • By 2050, the worldwide frequency of hip fracture in men is said to increase by 310% and 240% in women, compared to rates in 1990.

Ways to reduce the risk:

Exercise regularly 

If you don’t move your body you are directly increasing the chances of bone weakness. At menopause, exercising becomes even more important to maintain muscle strength and bone density. Resistance exercises become even more substantial as one age. Exercising regularly can keep your muscles in good shape and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. 

Eat a healthy diet. 

A balanced diet which includes bone-healthy nutrients like calcium, vitamin-D, protein, and vitamin-K is essential. For calcium have more- sesame seeds, figs, tofu, and soy products, kale, edamame, and yoghurt. For vitamin-D, you can have- eggs, mushrooms, salmon and the sunlight. For protein, have more legumes, beans, soy products, quinoa and whole grains. 

Avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits. 

Quit tobacco and excessive consumption of alcohol as they aggravate the risk of developing osteoporosis. Other than this, focus on maintaining a healthy weight. Under-weight individuals are at a greater risk of bone loss.

Over to you. 

Osteoporosis is a condition that needs attention, as the facts and figures are scary. Especially for women as they are at a greater risk. Follow the essential guidelines and understand the risk factors that you can and can’t evade. Take steps and try to keep yourself hydrated and healthy to avoid this condition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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