Part 1: Understanding Osteoporosis

Yes, that statement is FALSE.

Osteoporosis is preventable to a degree. A diet that is rich in Vitamin D and calcium and a lifestyle that includes regular weight-bearing exercise are the best ways to help prevent the onset of, and reduce the severity of, osteoporosis. Bone strength increases during our youth until peak bone mass is reached in our 20's. After that time, all of us gradually lose bone because more bone tissue is removed than is generated.

Osteoporosis starts years, even decades, before it is diagnosed. However, if a person takes effective action prior to that time, they can stop or slow further bone loss. Bone loss in women can begin as early as age 25.

The Foundation for Osteoporosis Research and Education has estimated that 90% of women over the age of 75 has osteoporosis. That accounts for 9 out of every 10 women in this age group! They further state that a woman's lifetime risk of hip fracture is equal to her combined risks of breast, ovarian and uterine cancers, and her lifetime risk of death due to hip fracture is comparable to her risk of death due to breast cancer.