(NAPSI)-Osteoporosis is more prevalent than stroke, heart attack and breast
cancer combined in postmenopausal women. Even so, a new survey revealed that
women 50 and over do not know the essential steps they should take to prevent
and treat this bone-thinning disease that can lead to debilitating fractures.Osteoporosis
Nearly three-quarters of postmenopausal women incorrectly believe that
good posture is an effective way to both prevent and treat osteoporosis. Posture
is in no way related to the development of the disease. Osteoporosis
These women also believe calcium and exercise are effective in preventing,
as well as treating osteoporosis after menopause. Although these measures
are essential for bone health throughout life, they alone cannot stop bone
loss after menopause. Osteoporosis
"A diet rich in calcium and exercise is critical to bone health throughout
life," said Ethel Siris, M.D., Director, Toni Stabile Center for the Prevention
and Treatment of Osteoporosis, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and board
member, National Osteoporosis Foundation. "However, when bone loss accelerates
at menopause, women at risk for osteoporosis may need to develop a bone health
plan with their physicians that includes calcium, exercise and if needed,
medication to prevent bone loss." Osteoporosis
Calcium and Exercise Keys To Bone Health
Osteoporosis
According to the survey, women 50 and over understand the importance of
calcium in maintaining bone health but do not consume enough of it. Three-quarters
(76 percent) of postmenopausal women drink only one glass of milk or less
(their reported major source of dietary calcium) a day. One glass of milk
provides about 300 mg of calcium. It is recommended that postmenopausal women
consume 1,000-1,500 mg of calcium per day.Osteoporosis
"Sufficient calcium - which research shows is best obtained through foods
- is essential for building bones before menopause and maintaining healthy
bones after," said Gregory D. Miller, Ph.D., F.A.C.N., vice president, Nutrition
Research and Technology Transfer, National Dairy Council. "Women at all stages
of their life need to make an effort to get adequate amounts of calcium in
their diet."Osteoporosis
If a woman cannot get adequate calcium through her diet, she may add calcium
supplements to meet the recommended daily allowance.Osteoporosis
Women 50 and over also state that they are exercising regularly, and most
prefer walking. It is the weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, running
and lifting weights, that may slow bone loss with age, but like calcium, exercise
alone cannot completely stop bone loss.Osteoporosis
Bone Loss Speeds Up At Menopause
Before menopause, adequate dietary calcium and regular exercise are critical
to help build and maintain healthy bone.Osteoporosis
However, at menopause, the drop in estrogen levels cause women to lose
more bone than is rebuilt. In the first five years after menopause, women
may lose up to 15 percent of their bone - which is about one-third of the
bone they will lose in their lifetime. Around menopause, calcium and exercise
alone, although essential for bone health, cannot stop bone loss. Many women
at risk for the disease may need a more aggressive osteoporosis prevention
strategy.Osteoporosis
What Are The Risk Factors?
Risk factors for osteoporosis include:
- menopause
- a family history of osteoporosis
- thin build
- Caucasian or Asian ancestry
- history of fracture
- chronic use of anti-inflammatory steroids
- total hysterectomy
- excessive doses of thyroid medications or anticonvulsants.
The survey found that only 39 percent of women 50 and over believed menopause
- the single most important risk factor -increased their risk of osteoporosis.
Sixty-nine percent and 58 percent cited insufficient calcium and insufficient
exercise, respectively, as risk factors.Osteoporosis
"We know that women 50 and over care about their health and that they are
very interested in getting enough calcium and exercise," said Sandra C. Raymond,
Executive Director, National Osteoporosis Foundation. "Our goal is to make
sure that all women understand the need for a bone health plan after menopause,
including talking to their doctors to evaluate their bone health, and, if
appropriate, taking action to help prevent osteoporosis and its fractures."Osteoporosis
The survey was conducted for the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the
National Dairy Council and the American College of Sports Medicine by Roper
Starch Worldwide, Inc., a marketing and public opinion research firm. Merck
& Co., Inc. provided funding for the survey.Osteoporosis
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