May is National Osteoporosis Month

May is National Osteoporosis Month

Osteoporosis is called the silent epidemic because of its symptomless development and lack of public awareness. Osteoporosis is not part of the normal aging process although many people continue to believe this is true.
Osteoporosis and low bone mass are currently estimated to be a major public health threat for almost 44 million U.S. women and men aged 50 and older. The 44 million people with either osteoporosis or low bone mass represent 55 percent of the people aged 50 and older in the United States. If current trends continue, the figure will climb to more than 61 million by 2020.
Bone basic tips:
- Get the calcium (1,200 mg) and vitamin D (800-1,000 IU) needed each day.

- Do regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises.
- Don’t smoke or drink too much alcohol.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about your chance of getting osteoporosis and ask if you should have a bone density test.