1 in 2 Women Over 50 Will Break A Bone Due to Osteoporosis: Prevention Is Possible

Osteoporosis is a disease that weaken your bones, making them porous, weaker and more fragile.

The gradual loss of bone mass and density increases the risk of fractures and 80% of osteoporosis patients are women.

When it comes to our community data shows that “the largest increase in fracture-related health care costs is expected to occur among Hispanics.”

Lifestyle and genetic factors play a major role. The good news is that bone loss is treatable and preventable.

Osteoporosis Among Latinas

Three key factors prevent women from recognizing the importance of caring for their bone health.

1. The connection between a broken bone and osteoporosis is often overlooked. This oversight limits opportunities to address the issue in a comprehensive, preventive manner. Knowing the symptoms is key.

2. The missconception that bone weakening and osteoporosis are not preventable. This is a misleading misconception, and it can have a major impact on your bone health.

3. Latinas may think they’re not at risk… but we are! Award-winning Dr. Sabrina E. Noel, Ph.D., R.D., an osteoporosis specialist who studies its prevalence in the Latinx community, has debunked the belief that Latinos have a lower risk than non-Hispanic whites.

How to Strengthen Your Bones

You can’t change your age or genetics, you can take powerful steps to protect your bones.

Calcium and vitamin D intake

Calcium is the building block of your bones. It comes from a variety of options such as cow’s milk, yogurt, fortified cheeses, almonds, sesame seeds and dark leafy greens. Beans, peas, and lentils are also excellent sources.

Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna, egg yolks, and UV-exposed mushrooms.

Move with purpose

Your bones get stronger when you use them. The Mayo Clinic recommends activities like walking, jogging, dancing, climbing stairs, or light weight training to stimulate bone growth and improve muscle strength and coordination, reducing the risk of falls.

Quit smoking and go easy on alcohol

Smoking interferes with your body’s ability to absorb calcium, while heavy drinking can decrease bone formation.

Both habits weaken bone tissue over time. Cutting back or quitting entirely can have immediate benefits for your bones and your overall health.

Get your bones tested

A DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is a quick, painless test that measures bone strength. It’s recommended for all women over 65, but many doctors suggest testing sooner, around age 50.

Early detection means early action.

See the right specialist

Start with your primary care doctor or gynecologist, who can evaluate your risk and order tests. If needed, they might refer you to an endocrinologist, a hormone specialist who treats osteoporosis and bone loss.

The right medical partner can tailor a plan that includes nutrition, lifestyle, and medication if necessary.

You’ve got this bestie!