About Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bone density and quality are reduced, resulting in bone fragility. 54 million Americans have low bone density or osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a silent disease, because there are no symptoms until a bone breaks. The disease causes an estimated 2 million broken bones every year.*

People with osteoporosis may notice a loss in height or break bones due to a simple fall, by bumping into furniture or even coughing.

Knowing your bone density is the first step to avoiding broken bones and fragility fractures that can result from osteoporosis or low bone density. ChristianaCare's Strong Bones program can help you learn about and address these issues.

Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are steps you can take to prevent, slow or stop its progress. In some cases, you may even be able to improve bone density and reverse the disorder to some degree.

*From the National Osteoporosis Foundation

Your bone density depends on a variety of genetic, lifestyle and medical factors. Some factors, such as diet and exercise, can be controlled; others must be managed.

To ensure your healthiest bones, be sure to eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, exercise regularly doing weight-bearing activities and avoid tobacco, excessive alcohol and caffeine.

For more information, speak to the nurse navigator by calling 302-733-5683.