Bone Health

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes fragile bones, and it affects more than 28 million Americans, 80 percent of whom are women. Those with osteoporosis are at an increased risk for hip, wrist and spine fractures, often from relatively minor falls. These fractures can be difficult to treat and require hip reconstruction and challenging rehabilitation. And fractures aren’t the only risk –osteoporosis also can cause loss of height, restricted mobility, and a humped back.

 

The good news about osteoporosis is that it is preventable. Adults normally reach the peak of bone mass around age 30, and from then on, bones gradually decrease in bone mass. That means everyone, even young adults and teens, can start now to build bone density and prevent osteoporosis.

 

Here are some helpful guides to osteoporosis, along with how it's diagnosed and how women can help prevent being at risk.

Calcium in Your Diet

• Sources of Calcium
• Calcium-Rich Foods Checklist

Bone Density Testing

• Bone Density Testing at St. Francis 
• What is a Bone Density Scan?
• Bone Health Questionnaire (download PDF)