Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) is a metabolic bone disease in which the amount of bone mass decreases and bone structure disorders occur, increasing the risk of fractures. In particular, the critical periods for its development are menopause and old age. It can be avoided if you start prevention in childhood and in adolescence up to the age of 35. In particular, good exercise, a balanced diet and sufficient intake of calcium a vitamins K2 and D3.

Incidence and severity

It is estimated that one in three women and one in six men over the age of 50 are currently at risk of osteoporosis and its consequences. It affects around 8% of the population and, as well as being called the epidemic of the third millennium, it is also one of the diseases of civilisation.

Osteoporosis is considered serious not because of itself, but because of its complications – fractures. In osteoporosis, fractures of the forearm, vertebrae, upper end of the humerus and femur are most common. The most feared of these is undoubtedly the fracture of the femoral neck, after which about one third of people die within a year from complications of associated diseases, about one third are dependent on the care of others, and only the remaining one third of fractures heal completely and patients are able to care for themselves. This fracture is also the 7th most common cause of death in hospitalised patients in Slovakia.

Prevention

The onset and development of osteoporosis can be influenced to some extent. Although there are factors behind the disease that are beyond our control, there are also factors that you can influence yourself. Heredity plays a significant role in the incidence of osteoporosis, with menopausal women in particular being at risk.

Osteoporosis – risk factors:

  • genetic predisposition
  • Gender
  • age
  • race
  • premature menopause with onset before the age of 45
  • lifestyle
  • insufficient intake of calcium and other nutrients
  • no physical activity or inappropriate for age and health
  • no sunbathing
  • smoking
  • alcohol
  • taking certain medicines, such as corticosteroids
  • stress