Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases, or when the structure and strength of bone changes. This can lead to a decrease in bone strength that can increase the risk of fractures.
Osteoporosis is a “silent” disease because, typically there are no symptoms, and you may not even know you have the disease until you break a bone. Osteoporosis is the major cause of fractures in postmenopausal women and in older men. Fractures can occur in any bone but happen most often in bones of the hip, vertebrae in the spine, and wrist.
Steps to Help Prevent the Disease and Fractures
- Stay physically active by participating in weight-bearing exercises such as walking
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Quit smoking, or don’t start if you don’t smoke
- Take medications, as prescribed
- Eat a nutritious diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to help maintain good bone health.
Who Get Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can:
- affect women and men of all races and ethnic groups
- occur at any age, although the risk for developing the disease increases as you get older
Osteoporosis is most common in non-Hispanic white women and Asian women. African American and Hispanic women have a lower risk of developing osteoporosis, but they are still at significant risk. Among men, osteoporosis is more common in non-Hispanic whites.
Osteoporosis Canada is the only national organization serving people affected by osteoporosis. They are the world’s first organization dedicated to osteoporosis, the first to establish guidelines for long-term treatment and exercise, and the first to introduce fracture risk assessment.
What is the Mission of Osteoporosis Canada?
The organization works to educate, empower and support individuals and communities on bone health and in the risk-reduction and treatment of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis Canada supports Canadians living with Osteoporosis by:
- Educating Canadians about Osteoporosis
- Advocating for optimal Osteoporosis care
- Investing strategically in Osteoporosis research
Please watch the Osteoporosis Video with stories about patients of all ages speaking about their experiences with osteoporosis.
