The causes of osteoporosis are not fully known; however, we do know that certain factors are associated with an increased risk of the disease.
ARE YOU AT RISK? One in every four women over 50 and one in every eight men over 50 are believed to have Osteoporosis. Make sure you are not one of them.
Are you at risk?
Are you suffering from this silent disease?
Answer this questionaire to see if you are at risk. QUESTION YES NO Are you an Indian /Asian? . . Are you slim / thin? . . Do you have a family history of fractures or Osteoporosis? . . Is your diet low in dairy products and other sources of calcium? . . Is your physical activity less than normal? . . Do you or have you ever smoked or consumed alcohol in excess? . . Have you been taking thyroid medication or high doses of cortisone like drugs for asthma, arthritis or cancer? . . Did your menestrual periods have a long break for reasons other than pregnancy or nursing? . . Are you a post-menopausal woman? . . Have you had an early menopause? . . Have you had surgery for removal of the ovaries? . . If you have answered YES to more than ONE of the above questions, you have a chance of developing Osteoporosis. The more the number of times you have answered YES the greater is your risk of developing Osteoporosis.
The WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) studies put put people of Asian origin at a high risk of developing Osteoporosis. If you are an Indian, you already are in the 'high risk' category.
What Causes Osteoporosis?
Some of these factors include:
Being Female A Small, Thin Frame A Family History of Osteoporosis Early Menopause Hormones (particularly the female sex hormone Estrogen and thyroid hormones) Low Calcium Diet Lack of Exercise Prolonged use of steroids Smoking Excessive Alcohol Intake