Approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million have low bone density, placing them at increased risk according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Additionally, 54 million Americans, half of all adults age 50 and older, are at risk of breaking a bone and should be concerned about bone health.
Because there are no symptoms in the early stages of osteoporosis, it is typically recommended that you undergo bone mineral density testing if you're a woman over age 65, a man over age 70, or if you’re at increased risk for osteoporosis due to certain diseases, early menopause, smoking, family history, alcohol use or other factors.
"Bone mineral density testing will indicate if you have thinner bones, and therefore are at a higher risk of having a bone fracture in the future," says Alan Mallace, MD, a rheumatologist with HonorHealth.
Your doctor may recommend treatment depending upon how great your risk is. Treatment may include:
- Medications
- Eating a healthy diet with plenty of calcium, vitamins and protein
- Doing regular weight-bearing, resistance and other exercises
- Limiting alcohol
- Stopping smoking
