Getting Osteoporosis - By: Ronald K. Redman

The brittle bone condition called osteoporosis has already impacted more than 10 million American, and possibly 34 million more in the future, says the U.S. Department of Health. This is one of the reasons why thousands of research are developed to discover more about this condition. Recently, Arizona researchers discovered a new connection between osteoporosis and vitamin D.

The risk factors for osteoporosis may be modifiable or non-modifiable. Factors that can be changed to improve one’s being are considered as modifiable factors while those that can no longer be changed are referred to as non-modifiable. Though we cannot do anything with the latter type, getting to know these conditions will help you calculate your odds of acquiring the disease.

The following are the constant factors of osteoporosis:

Gender. Compared to men, women are twice likely to suffer from the illness. Men tend to have higher bone mass and slower rate of bone loss than women. Hence, they are less inclined to the disease. Nonetheless, osteoporosis has been detected in as many as two million American men..

For some time, your bone density remains normal and there is a good balance in the bone remodeling cycle. But as you age, bone loss starts and you become more prone to osteoporosis. Women in particular start to lose bone mass years, at a rate that runs faster, after menopause.

Race. Although anyone from all races may be afflicted with osteoporosis, the disease stands even more likely to occur among Caucasian and Asian races.

Body Type. Osteoporosis seem to pose a bigger threat to people with small and thin figure.

Family and personal history. This brittle bone disease seems to run in the family. Moreover, a family background of fractures suggests a higher tendency of sustaining fractures. Also, people who have obtained a fracture in the past are more likely to endure another fracture than healthy individuals with the same age and sex.

A doctor must be consulted if you think you are at risk of osteoporosis based on the factors mentioned beforehand. Most probably, a doctor will prescribed you a drug called Fosamax, which is a drug manufactured by Merck & Co. and is now the subject of a Fosamax class action lawsuit.

About the Author

Ronald Redman, like many others, is concerned about the Side effects of the drug Fosamax. Read more updates about "Fosamax Lawsuits" here.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Ronald-K--Redman/172117

Additional Articles From - Home | Disease & illness | Osteoporosis