Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a common disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle. It often goes undetected, and about 80 percent of those affected by it are women. Women with osteoporosis are at increased risk for bone fractures. The good news is that osteoporosis is preventable through diet and exercise. The keys are a balanced diet and weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging or dancing.
Risk factors for osteoporosis include:
- Age (more common in older people)
- Gender (female)
- Ethnicity (Caucasians and Asians)
- Family history
- Poor nutrition (low calcium intake)
- Physical inactivity
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- Certain medications (diuretics, corticosteroids, blood thinners, anti-seizure medications)
Carilion Clinic offers bone density testing by appointment. State-of-the-art equipment can assess density in about five minutes. A physician’s order is required for the test, and appointments can be scheduled by calling (540) 266-6000 or 1-800-422-8482.
Visit our online Health Library to learn more about osteoporosis.
