PRESS RELEASE

From the Office of the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Gale R. Burstein 

Date: May 25, 2017

CONTACT: Mary C. St. Mary/Mary.StMary@Erie.Gov

Phone: 716.858.4941/ Mobile: 716.253.3925

How Strong Are Your Bones?

May is National Osteoporosis Month

ERIE COUNTY, NY— An estimated 10 million U.S adults have osteoporosis, and another 34 million are at high risk. For women, the osteoporosis incidence is greater than that of heart attack, stroke and breast cancer combined. For men, the incidence is greater than prostate cancer.  world’s population is aging and that means age-related diseases, such as osteoporosis, will likely increase in the coming years. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the bones to become porous and weak, resulting in painful breaks that may be caused by simply a sneeze or gentle bump. The risk of osteoporosis increases with age in all people; however, women are more likely to develop osteoporosis or low bone density—about one in two women compared to one in four men.

To prevent osteoporosis, you must build the strongest and densest bone you can early in life. "Peak bone mass" develops between the ages of 25-30 years. After that, you break down bone at a faster rate than you build. It is important to eat a healthy diet, including adequate calcium and vitamin D, do weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises to build peak bone mass, and to maintain your bone strength throughout your lifetime.

"We know osteoporosis causes two million broken bones every year in the U.S., yet the majority of Americans don't realize how important their bone health is until they experience a debilitating fracture," said Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County Commissioner of Health. “Osteoporosis is especially a concern for seniors, the group most impacted by this condition. Weak bones are more likely to break and healing these breaks—especially hip fractures, which can be particularly devastating--can be a long, challenging road as one ages.”

For younger people, it is important to realize that building strong bones early in life in incredibly important. This involves a healthy diet with enough calcium and vitamin D as well as exercise.

“Osteoporosis is a silent disease often displaying no signs or symptoms until a fracture occurs,” added Burstein. “Consult with your healthcare provider about your risk for osteoporosis and how you can support a healthy bone structure.”

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For More Information:

National Osteoporosis Foundation

New York State Department of Health: The Facts about Osteoporosis