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Links to further information:
http://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-topics/osteoporosis/
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes your bones to be thinner and weaker than normal. This means, they can break very easily, such as after a small bump or fall. It is most common in women because the changes in your hormones at the menopause speed up the bone thinning. It is also very common in older people as our bones get thinner as we age.
Risk factors for osteoporosis include: Increasing age, genetics (family history), lifestyle (smoking is a strong risk factor, low calcium foods, being inactive physically or doing non-weight bearing exercise only), hormones, medications and medical conditions.
Peak bone mass occurs around the age of 30 - 35 years. The higher your peak bone mass, the lower your risk of osteoporosis. (Weight bearing exercise, not smoking, enough Vitamin D and good calcium levels in your food are protective).
Key Points:
- Osteoporosis is more common in women than men
- Most people only find out they have osteoporosis when they break a bone after a small fall or bump
- It is very common in later life. The older you are, the more likely you are to get it
- There are good treatments that can slow down osteoporosis and help stop you getting broken bones
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