Osteoporosis, also known as the “silent disease” is a loss of bone mass and structural deterioration of the bone tissue. It is a loss of calcium to the bone. As bones become weaker with age the risk of osteoporosis becomes even greater. Once a debilitating disease known mostly for afflicting the elderly, men and women regardless of their age can and do become victims.
The first 18 years of life are critical to bone formation because bone formation during the growing years and the level of exercise are among the important factors in creating healthy bones After reaching that bone mass peak it then becomes important to prevent bone loss. Anything that prevents healthy bone formation or bone structure can lead to fragile bones and osteoporosis. And people with a low bone mass are more susceptible to osteoporosis. The hips, ribs, spine, and wrists are the higher risk areas for breakage, but any bone can be affected.
