Are You At Risk For Weak Bones?
If you have any of these "red flags," you could be at higher risk for weak bones. Talk to your health care professional. Red flags can include those related to your:
- lifestyle, habits, and medical history
- medical conditions
- medications that you are taking
Your doctor should also look for red flags that may indicate that someone is at higher risk, including:
- patients who are under 50 that have have had multiple fractures
- patients that take certain medications
- patients that have a disease that can lead to bone loss
Red Flags: Lifestyle / Medical History
Certain lifestyle behaviors, habits, and your medical history may be linked to bone loss and osteoporosis. You may be at greater risk for osteoporosis if one or more of the following pertain to you:
- I'm older than 65
- I've broken a bone after age 50
- My close relative has osteoporosis or has broken a bone
- My health is "fair" or "poor"
- I smoke
- I am underweight for my height
- I started menopause before age 45
- I've never gotten enough calcium
- I have more than two drinks of alcohol several times a week
- I have poor vision, even with glasses
- I sometimes fall
- I'm not active
Red Flags: Medical Conditions
Certain conditions are linked to bone loss and osteoporosis. You may be at greater risk for osteoporosis if you have one or more of these medical conditions:
- hyperthyroidism
- chronic lung disease
- cancer
- inflammatory bowel disease
- chronic liver disease
- chronic kidney disease
- hyperparathyroidism
- vitamin D deficiency
- Cushing's disease
- multiple sclerosis
- rheumatoid arthritis
Red Flags: Medications
Certain medications can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. You may be at greater risk for osteoporosis if you take one or more of these medications:
- oral glucocorticoids (steroids)
- cancer treatments (radiation, chemotherapy)
- thyroid medicine
- antiepileptic medications
- gonadal hormone suppression
- immunosuppressive agents
Your Body Needs Calcium
According to the report, if this is your age, then you need this much calcium each day in mg.
- 0 to 6 months 210 mg.
- 6 to 12 months 270 mg.
- 1 to 3 years 500 mg.
- 4 to 8 years 800 mg.
- 9 to 18 years 1,300 mg.
- 18 to 50 years 1,000mg.
- Over 50 years 1,200mg.
A cup of milk or fortified orange juice has about 300 mg of calcium.
Companion Report
The surgeon general has also published a companion "People's Piece" specifically written for the American public. The magazine-style, full-color booklet offers ready-to-use information on how people can improve their bone health.
Related Resources - Osteoporosis
Sources: Americans Over 50 at Risk for Bone Fractures, FDA Office of Public Affairs, FDA Consumer magazine, January-February 2005 Issue; The 2004 Surgeon General's Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis: What it Means to You.
