Prevention

Consumer Information

Osteoporosis is a preventable disease. However, the public is not well informed about osteoporosis. By increasing awareness of prevention and treatment, public health efforts can reduce osteoporosis and its costs.

• One-fourth of a survey group cannot identify one consequence of osteoporosis.
• One-third believes it can be cured with a high calcium diet.
• One in five believes there is NO treatment or prevention for the disease.
• Few individuals realize that prevention starts in childhood.
• Only one in five adolescent girls gets enough calcium.
• Patients receiving cortisone therapy are rarely counseled about bone loss although 17% experience a vertebral fracture in the first year.

Seeking Recommendations

Improve your lifestyle with proper diet and physical activity. Know your risk factors and use bone density tests. If you have low bone density, consult a health care professional.