|
For older patients, osteoporosis is a real threat. This silent disease, in which bones become thin, weak and more easily breakable, can result in stooped posture, the loss of independence, and dangerous, painful fractures of the hip, spine and wrist.
Hip fractures, the most serious consequence of osteoporosis, is linked to as many as 50,000 deaths each year. Complications from surgery or from being confined to bed cause most of these mortalities.
While 80 percent of the 28 million Americans who develop osteoporosis are women, 1 in 8 men over age 50 will also have a broken bone as a result of the disease.
At AIM, we identify patients at risk of osteoporosis, and help you take steps to prevent or treat it. Risk factors include having a petite frame, having an inactive lifestyle, excessive use of alcohol, a low-calcium diet, estrogen deficiency and advanced age.
Using a quick and painless method to measure your bone mass, we can determine whether to begin a prevention or treatment program.
For more information, visit MEDLINEplus.
|
