OSTEOPOROSIS STATISTICS

 (sources:  www.ColoradoHealthNet.org, www.BoneSummit.com) 

• About 25 million Americans are at risk for fractures, primarily because of fragile bones from osteoporosis
• US estimates suggest about 40% of women and 12.5% of men over age 50 will suffer an osteoporosis related fracture of the hip, vertebra, or distal radius
• There are an estimated 1.5 million osteoporotic fractures in the US each year
• Estimated direct national expenditures (hospitals and nursing homes) for osteoporotic related health issues were $13.8 billion in 1995  (these costs are rising)

(sources:  www.ColoradoHealthNet.org, www.BoneSummit.com)

• Did you know osteoporosis is a silent disease, sometimes going undetected for many years until a fracture occurs?
• Did you know there are now non-hormonal treatments that can slow bone loss and even increase bone mass?
• Did you know osteoporosis is the most common human metabolic bone disorder?
• Did you know fractures can result in a decreased survival rate?
• Did you know the risk factors for osteoporosis include:  age, race, low calcium intake, vitamin D deficiency, immobility, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, high caffeine consumption, high sodium intake, high protein intake, and certain drug therapies such as steroids?