While osteoporosis is a threat to both men and women later in life, the threat is more imminent for women due to the loss of estrogen after menopause. This is why it is critical that women begin protecting themselves early by building strong bones and muscles. Some useful facts about osteoporosis that will help you gain perspective on how you can help yourself today are:
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25 million Americans have osteoporosis.
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Half of the women ages 50 and up are expected to have a degree of osteoporosis.
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One-third of the men ages 75 and older are expected to have osteoporosis.
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Caucasians are at greatest risk of osteoporosis.
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Bone fractures can be early indicators of osteoporosis.
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Osteoporosis is responsible for stooped posture and loss of height.
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By advanced age, women lose between 35 percent and 50 percent of their bone mass, and men, 20 percent to 35 percent.
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Weight-bearing exercise can help slow bone loss.
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Walking, jogging, running, and stair climbing help build bone mass.
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Weight lifting(resistance training) is recommended for preventing bone loss.
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Activities that use arm strength, such as tennis and volleyball, help build bone mass.
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A combination of strength training and weight-bearing exercises is an ideal preventative measure against osteoporosis.