The Myths Surrounding Osteoporosis

There are a few myths concerning the disorder osteoporosis that should be laid to rest. Myths can cause harm when they either cause people to be overly cautious or to not be aware of a danger that does exist. It is healthier to be well informed about a situation or health issue than to be misinformed and unaware of the reality of what risks and concerns are present regarding any health issue. The same can be said about osteoporosis. Many people have misconceptions about who can get it, or how to prevent it.

The first myth is that only women need be concerned about osteoporosis. While women are 4 times more likely to contract osteoporosis, men can also have the disorder, especially men over age 50. 20% of those who have osteoporosis are men.

Another myth is that it is unavoidable that you will have osteoporosis someday; it is a part of getting old. The truth is that osteoporosis is preventable. We know that there are some things we can do to lessen our chances of someday being told we have osteoporosis. One of those things is to get enough calcium and vitamin D during childhood and as a teen. We can also make lifestyle changes that will less our chances such as limiting our alcohol consumption and to stop smoking, if we are in the habit of lighting up. If we have a sedentary job, we need to use lunch breaks to get out and exercise. A quick walk around the office building during lunch or just taking the stairs instead of the elevator will benefit us.

Osteoporosis is an old person's disorder is another myth. It can occur at any age and with either sex.

Some people are under the mistaken idea that osteoporosis is not a common thing to occur. There are over 10 million people in the United States with osteoporosis.

Another myth is that once a diagnosis of osteoporosis is received there is very little that can be done about it. The truth is that there is a lot that can be done to protect future bone health. You can do weight-bearing exercises, quit or at least cut back on cigarette smoking, stop drinking alcoholic beverages in access.

One myth is the race myth, as some think only Caucasian women get osteoporosis. This is simply not true. Asian women are just as likely to have low bone mass as Caucasian women. Caucasian, Asian and Hispanic women all can get osteoporosis.

Some may buy into the myth that fractures only happen once. Women are likely to have repeat fractures within a few years of the first fracture.

Not drinking enough milk is the only risk factor for osteoporosis. This is not true there are many risk factors including family history, eating disorders, surgical removal of the ovaries, even some medications like anticonvulsants, diuretics, and steroids can increase your risk.

Another myth is that fortified milk is the only source of vitamin D. There are many foods and another fortified drink that contain Vitamin D. Vitamin D, can also be found in soy drinks. Foods that contain natural vitamin D are fish (canned, pink salmon and tuna), liver and egg yolk.

Recommended Reading

1. Common Myths About Osteoporosis
2. Risk Factors For Osteoporosis
3. Facts About Osteoporosis
4. Osteoporosis Related Fractures
5. Women And Osteoporosis