National Osteoporosis Month is observed every May and promoted by the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Also known as National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, people are encouraged to understand the risk factors and preventative measures that affect bone health. An estimated 10 million Americans are diagnosed with osteoporosis and another 44 million have low bone density, placing them at increased risk.
Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle so that they may break from mild stresses or falls, and occurs when the creation of new bone tissue doesn’t keep pace with the degradation of the existing bone. Osteoporosis affects both men and women, but is more common in women.
Approximately 80% of osteoporosis cases are found in women. Low body weight, low estrogen levels, an irregular menstrual cycle, inadequate nutrition, lack of exercise, smoking, and drinking alcohol are all risk factors of osteoporosis. Teenage girls are encouraged to build strong bones while developing by eating foods high in calcium and vitamin D, fruits and vegetables, and regular exercise. Women are encouraged to learn about preventing osteoporosis during early- to mid-adult life. Men and women alike are at increased risk of osteoporosis after age 50.
NeedyMeds has partnered with the National Osteoporosis Foundation to bring you the Osteoporosis Diagnosis Information Page. Our Diagnosis Information Pages are intended to be a one-stop-shop for information, featuring a list of commonly prescribed medications for the condition as well as linking to any Patient Assistance Program (PAP) we may have listed for those prescriptions. Additionally, NeedyMeds presented a webinar with National Osteoporosis Foundation’s Clinical Director earlier this week with information on medicines in development to treat osteoporosis. For more help accessing information, call our toll-free helpline at 1-800-503-6897.
