Osteoporosis: the silent disease

Osteoporosis is a major health problem in the United States. It affects 24 million Americans; women are affected 6-8 times more often than men. It is a disease that is associated with pain, disability, and death due to complications from fractures. Health interventions that prevent bone loss are more effective than trying to retard bone loss once an individual has osteoporosis. This article discusses prevention practices as they relate to nursing assessment and intervention.