Preventing osteoporosis in every day life

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by low bone mineral density, microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, and a consequent increase in fracture risk. The public health impact of osteoporosis stems from its association with fractures of the hip, spine and forearm. Between 10 and 20 percent of hip fracture patients die within a year of the event, and among those who survive, almost two-thirds remain disabled. The medical costs of osteoporosis and its attendant fractures have been placed at 5.2 billion dollars each year in the US and 615 million pound sterling each year in the UK. In Asia, osteoporosis is rapidly becoming a major public health problem with an increasing incidence of hip fracture and a rapidly aging population. By the year 2050, more than half of the hip fracture around the world would occur in Asia, with the total number approaching 3.2 million. Osteoporosis can be attributed to both genetic factors and environmental factors. While it is difficult to modify genes, much can be done to prevent osteoporosis in our every day life. These are discussed below.