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What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become fragile
and brittle, and can fracture more easily than normal bones. Even
minor falls can cause serious fractures.
1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men over 60 will have a fracture due to
osteoporosis. Osteoporosis and fractures are major causes of injury,
long term disability and even death in older Australians.
Who is at risk?
Risk factors are similar in men and women:
Advanced age
Family history
Small or thin build
Low levels of oestrogen (women) or testosterone (men)
Low calcium or vitamin D intake and/or absorption
Physical inactivity or excessive exercise
Taking Corticosteroids, Thyroid Medications, Anticonvulsants
or Anticoagulants
Smoking
Excessive alcohol or caffeine
Chronic diseases of kidney, lung, stomach and intestines
Early menopause
Preventing osteoporosis
Steps to help prevent osteoporosis include:
A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
Weight-bearing and strengthening exercises
Undertake a moderate, regular exercise program and stick
with it
Bone density and medications when appropriate
Stop smoking
Get proper amounts of calcium generally recommended to be
1,000 to 1,500 mg/day for postmenopausal women
Limit alcohol intake
Women should discuss oestrogen replacement with their physicians
where appropriate
Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium. 400 - 800 IU per day
is recommended. Direct exposure to sunlight (during winter), fortified
dairy products, egg yolks, saltwater fish and cod liver oil are
all good sources.
The information presented is not intended to replace the medical
advice of your doctor or health care provider. Arthritis SA recommends
that you consult your doctor about specific medical conditions.
Other information and resources available
from Arthritis SA
Osteoporosis Helpline
9.30am - 3.30pm, Mon - Fri
8379 5345 or country free call on 1800 242 141
Osteoporosis Prevention and Self Management Courses
4 weeks x 2 sessions per week
For details please contact Osteoporosis SA
8379 5345 or country free call on 1800 242 141
Library
Everybody's Bones, a publication of Osteoporosis Victoria,
2001
The Osteoporosis Handbook , by Jenny Davidson, 1996
Borrowing privileges extend to members only
Magazine
Osteoblast, a bi-annual publication of Osteoporosis Australia
Magazine available to members
For membership enquiries contact Osteoporosis SA
8379 5345 or country free call on 1800 242 141
Booklet Sales
Medical Treatment of Osteoporosis, a publication of Osteoporosis
NSW
For price and order details please contact Osteoporosis SA
8379 5345 or country free call on 1800 242 141
Video Sales
Falls & Fractures an exercise routine
For prices and order details please contact Osteoporosis SA
8379 5345 or country free call on 1800 242 141
Western Osteoporosis Support Group
Support Group meeting in the western suburbs of Adelaide
Click
here "Calendar - What's On"
for information about meeting dates
Suggested websites
Osteoporosis Australia
www.osteoporosis.org.au
International Osteoporosis Foundation
www.osteofound.org
Healthy Bones Week
www.healthybones.com.au
Powerfulbones
Powerful girls have powerful bones! Visit this cool web site to
find out how you can build strong bones. Try out our interactive
skeleton and awesome games and quizzes. You'll also discover fun
weight-bearing physical activities and recipes for yummy foods with
calcium.
www.cdc.gov/powerfulbones
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