IMC’s Dr June Tan explains osteoporosis, its effects and how to prevent this deadly disease.

Osteoporosis occurs when a loss of calcium causes your bones to become porous, weakening them over time – making them more likely to break or fracture.
     Fractures typically occur in the hip, spine and wrist, although any bone can be affected. Spinal fractures can cause loss of height, back pain and deformity. A hip fracture typically requires hospitalisation and major surgery and can impair your ability to walk unassisted – leading to permanent disability. One in four people aged 50 years and above with hip fractures die in the year following the fracture. And one in five of those able to walk unaided before their hip fracture require long-term care afterwards.
     Osteoporosis is a silent disease – you can’t feel your bones getting weaker. Spinal (vertebral) fractures may at first be felt or seen in the form of severe back pain, loss of height, or a hunched back. But in many cases, a vertebral fracture occurs with no pain.

Are you at risk? Osteoporosis is more common in women than in men.Women have less bone mass, tend to live longer, consume less calcium and need the female hormone estrogen to keep their bones strong. The more the following points apply to you, the higher your risk.
• Menopause before the age of 48
• Surgery to remove ovaries before menopause
• Smoker
• Insufficient calcium
• Insufficient exercise
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Alcohol abuse
• Thin body and small bone frame
• Fair skin (Caucasian or Asian race)
• Hyperthyroidism
• Long-term use of oral steroids

Tests & treatments Talk to your doctor about risk factors and ask for the bone mineral density (BMD) test, which assesses your hip and spinal bone density. There’s no cure for osteoporosis, but several types of medication can help reduce the risks.

Maintanin good bone health
Consume calcium and Vitamin D Women below 50 years should take 1,000 milligrams a day, women above 50 years 1,500 milligrams.
Diet Eat good sources of calcium: non-fat and low-fat dairy products, beans, nuts, broccoli, spinach, canned sardines with bones, calcium-fortified cereal, tofu made with calcium and calcium-fortified soy beverages.
Regular weight-bearing activities Walking, running, aerobics and muscle-strengthening exercise helps strengthen bones.
Avoid cigarettes and excessive alcohol intake.

Dr June Tan MBBS MMed (Family Medicine)

Dr Tan is a family physician with special interests in chronic disease management, women’s health, paediatrics and musculoskeletal conditions. She earned her Masters degree in Family Medicine in 2002 and has served as a senior family physician in a local primary care institution.