Osteoporosis is a disease in which low bone mineral mass leads to bone deterioration. When bone deteriorates beyond its ability to support the weight of the body, it becomes fragile and breaks under normal stresses that healthy bones can withstand quite easily.

Osteoporosis leaves individuals susceptible to fractures -- most commonly in the hips, spine and wrists. It sometimes leads to shortened height, stooped posture and a rounded upper back. Osteoporosis at its worst can cause severe physical and psychological pain, limiting independence and enjoyment of life.

The Silent Disease
One of the most perplexing aspects of osteoporosis is that many people don't know they have it until they break a bone. The onset is so subtle that there are no symptoms. The only way to diagnose the disease is by having a bone scan that assesses bone mineral content and density. The procedure is quick and painless, but its coverage by insurance providers varies. You should talk with your doctor if you have questions about whether you should have your bone mineral content and density assessed.

How common is it?
Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for more than 28 million Americans -- and 80% of them are women. One out of every two women over the age of 35 may suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime. More than 10 million Americans already have osteoporosis, and 18 million more have low bone mass. The annual U.S. health care cost of osteoporosis is estimated to exceed $10 billion.

Who is at risk?
Certain people are more likely than others to develop osteoporosis. Risk factors for the disease include:

• Being female
• Being thin and/or having a small frame
• Being of advanced age
• A family history of osteoporosis
• Early menopause
• A diet low in calcium
• The use of certain medications including corticosteroids and anti-convulsants
• An inactive lifestyle
• Cigarette smoking
• Excessive use of alcohol
• Being Caucasian or Asian, although African Americans and Hispanic Americans are also at significant risk.

Can calcium prevent osteoporosis?
There are no guarantees that preventive measures -- including consuming enough calcium -- will keep an individual from developing osteoporosis. Many factors contribute to osteoporosis and while an inadequate calcium intake is not the only factor, it is certainly one of them. Especially for teen and young adult women, adequate calcium in a healthful diet may reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

Even in cases where adequate calcium may not be able to prevent osteoporosis, it's still important for optimal bone health -- and overall health. You may not be able to control all osteoporosis-related risk factors, but you can make sure you consume the recommended amounts of calcium.

Are recommended calcium levels enough?
In 1997, a government panel reviewed all of the medical literature concerning calcium and established new recommendations for individuals in the U.S. and Canada to use as daily goals for calcium intake.

These recommendations were set at levels designed to maximize calcium reserves -- to make sure that the body's "calcium bank" is as full as possible. They represent an individual's best hope of reducing the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures later in life.

If you have any questions about whether you're getting enough calcium, consult your own health care professional.

What else can I do to support bone health?
Regular weight-bearing exercise is also important for bone mass. Weight-bearing activity requires the body to support itself during the activity. Examples are walking, running, dancing and jumping rope. Bike-riding and swimming, though excellent aerobic activities, are not weight-bearing exercises. If you are not already participating in a regular exercise regimen of some type, you should check with your doctor before beginning one.