Osteoporosis Affects 50% of Women and 1 in 8 Men; What is it, and are you at Risk?

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Vikki_Scovell/14558]  Vikki Scovell

I want to talk about osteoporosis, a condition which affects up to 50% of women by older age.  But women are not alone, although it is often thought of as a women's disease, 1 in 8 men will develop this condition; a 13% chance, and this rate appears to be increasing; possibly because of greater intake of alcohol and tobacco.  Three million of the seven million women in the UK over the age of 60 will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis, and more women die of complications arising from an osteoporotic fracture than die of ovarian, uterine and cervical cancer put together.  This is clearly an issue that we should understand more about. 

Osteoporosis - What can I do to Prevent it?

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Barbara_C._Phillips/927]  Barbara C. Phillips

Osteoporosis is a silent disease. You normally don't know it until something like a fracture occurs. In reality, your bones have been losing strength for years.

There are millions of people with osteoporosis, and the vast majority of them are women. Bone is a living tissue that consistently breaks down and rebuilds. As we enter our 40's and 50's, the rebuilding is having a hard time keeping up with the breaking down...thus a net loss.

Osteoporosis - Bone Disease That Silently Robs Your Bones

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Patricia_Weber/865]Patricia Weber

When you look in the mirror, it doesn't come into view. Just imagine, you could be twenty, thirty, forty or older and it could afflict you.  People who look at you don't see it. When it does finally surface on the outside for any human eye to see, the harm may be irreversible. The scary part is the external warning of osteoporosis is silent while inside the body is clamoring for help.

Many women rate turning fifty as a positively high experience.  I once looked forward to the celebration. The inner peace that comes with this proclaimed turning point is chafed only by my recent diagnosis of osteopenia. Osteopenia is the beginning phase of osteoporosis. Any age is too young for this disease.