Osteoporosis is a "brittle bone" disease, occurring when excessive bone loss leads to gradual bone weakening. It is a silent disease which can go undetected for years-until the damage is severe enough to cause a fracture. A broken hip or wrist often is the first symptom of osteoporosis. Have you ever observed the gradual loss in height and stooped posture of an elderly relative or friend? That's a typical sign of osteoporosis.

Many more women than men get osteoporosis. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, nearly 50% of healthy American women in their 30s and 40s may be at risk for increased bone loss. One third of American women aged 50 and older are likely to suffer from spinal fractures. In 2000, osteoporosis will cause 500,000 hip fractures each year.

Many factors contribute to bone loss. Small or petite women and women with relatives who have osteoporosis are at greater risk for developing the disease. Medical factors include menstrual irregularities, early menopause, certain diseases, stress and some medications. Lifestyle factors include lack of exercise, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and crash dieting, or deficiencies in nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, trace minerals, B vitamins and vitamin D.

Depending on your risk level and amount of bone loss, there are several treatments you and your health care professional can discuss. The proper diet plays a major role. You should eat foods rich in calcium, magnesium and other minerals, and take a vitamin/mineral supplement if necessary. You should also restrict your consumption of carbonated soft drinks, caffeine, sugar and salt to reduce calcium excretion. Weight-bearing exercise also impacts bone loss.

Osteoporosis is bone loss. The bones become brittle and break more easily. This is especially true of the vertebral bones. When they break, they can cause severe pain. Curing osteoporosis is not possible. Once the bone is lost, it is not easily rebuilt. Preventing osteoporosis is, fortunately, fairly easy. If others in your family have osteoporosis, you need to be especially careful since your chance of having problems is increased.

Yes, although certain people are more likely to develop osteoporosis than others. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis may be related to your body type, your family history, or your lifestyle behaviors, or some combination of these three factors. However, about 30% of individuals with osteoporosis have no identifiable risk factors.

In addition to taking medication as prescribed by your health care professional, you should continue to follow the guidelines for prevention of osteoporosis, including getting adequate calcium, vitamin D and exercise and limiting alcohol, caffeine and smoking.