The Bone Health Clinic

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. The disease leads to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures, especially of the hip, spine, and wrist.

Osteoporosis can be prevented by the following steps:

1. Get the daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D
2. Engage in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise
3. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
4. Talk to your healthcare provider about bone health
5. Have a bone density test and take medication when appropriate

Risk factors include:

1. being female
2. older age
3. family history of osteoporosis or broken bones
4. being small and thin
5. low estrogen levels in women, and low levels of testosterone and estrogen in men
6. low calcium and vitamin D intake
7. excessive intake of protein, sodium and caffeine
8. inactive lifestyle
9. smoking, alcohol abuse and certain medications such as steroid medications

• One in 3 women over 50 will experience osteoporosis fractures, as will 1 in 5 men.*
• Eighty percent, 75%, 70% and 58% of forearm, humerus, hip and spine fractures, respectively, occur in women. Overall, 61% of osteoporotic fractures occur in women, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.6.*
• Nearly 75% of hip, spine and distal forearm fractures occur among patients 65 years old or over.*
• By 2050, the worldwide incidence of hip fracture in men is projected to increase by 310% and 240% in women.*
• The great majority of individuals at high risk (possibly 80%), who have already had at least one osteoporotic fracture, are neither identified nor treated.*
• Other risk factors include: low estrogen or testosterone levels, anorexia nervosa, low calcium and vitamin D intake, certain medications, inactivity, smoking and alcohol consumption.
• By age 65 men begin to lose bone mass by the same rate as women; 1 in 4 men suffer from osteoporosis or low bone mass.

*Source: International Osteoporosis Foundation

• National Osteoporosis Foundation
  The mission of the National Osteoporosis Foundation is to make bone health a reality and a lifelong priority for all individuals through education and prevention. Here you'll find information, tips, and guidelines for bone health and treatment.
• International Osteoporosis Foundation
  The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is the largest global non-governmental organization dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. You can find facts, statistics, publications, and other important information regarding this disease.
• Powerful girls. Powerful bones.
  A great website from the Department of Health and Human Services for young girls/teens to learn about building better bones.
• Best Bones Forever Parent Edition
  Great website for parents offering key information for helping daughters build healthy bones early on in life. Also provides osteoporosis facts, family activities and recipes to help build strong bones.
• Michigan Osteoporosis Connection
  This helpful overview provides facts and risks associated with osteoporosis. Additionally it also offers educational opportunities and links to numerous osteoporosis websites.
• Michigan Department of Community Health
  The MDCH website offers an overview of osteoporosis facts, risk factors, steps for prevention and links to additional informative osteoporosis websites.
• Bone Biology for Kids
  This is an educational site for middle school students. It is intended to contain information about bones, the skeleton, bone health and other aspects of bone biology. The material will be a resource that can be used by health, biology and science teachers.
• Bone Health Risk Assessment
  This one-minute risk assessment will help you understand the status of your bone health, each answer triggers further information. You can print it out or complete it online.
• Women’s Health Information
  This informative website provides answers to basic osteoporosis-related questions, including risks, bone health and impact of pregnancy and menopause on bone density.
• Web MD Osteoporosis Overview
  Provides numerous useful resources such as overview, facts, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for osteoporosis.
• National Institute of Arthritis an Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
  This useful resource provides links to numerous osteoporosis topics within the NIAMS website. Topics include, but are not limited to bone health, osteoporosis and minority women, preventing fractures, and bone diseases.