Risk Factors

Osteoporosis/Osteopenia

Risk factors associated with an individual’s ability to develop and maintain peak bone mass are both non-modifiable (can’t take action to modify) and modifiable (action can be taken to reduce risk).

Non-modifiable Risk Factors

• Sex (females are at greater risk than males)
• Race (Caucasian, Asian, American Indian, and individuals of Hispanic decent are at greater risk than other racial and ethnic groups)
• Advanced age
• Early menopause or surgically induced menopause
• Family history
• Thin and/or small frame

Modifiable Risk Factors - Things you can do to maintain or promote the health of your bones.

• Diet - eating a well balanced diet that is rich in calcium and in vitamin D assists the body in developing and maintaining healthy bones.
• Activity Level - staying physically active helps bones stay healthy. It is important to participate in regular, weight bearing, physical activity programs several times a week. This includes dancing, walking, lifting weights, low-impact aerobics, gardening, push-mowing the lawn, volleyball, basketball, rollerblading, etc.
• Tobacco Use - Eliminate the use of tobacco products, especially smoking. Research shows that smoking can interfere with the remodeling process of bone and can affect the absorption of calcium and minerals needed to build and maintain healthy bones.

What can you do if you have osteopenia or osteoporosis?

• Follow all of the recommendations under modifiable risk factors. Use caution with physical activity. Discuss what is safe exercise with your physician. You may also want to talk to your physician about the possibility of seeking the assistance of a physical therapist to design an appropriate program for you.
• Talk to your doctor frequently about your disease, staying on your treatment regimen, any complications you may be having with the treatment regimen (remember there are several options available, so with your assistance, your physician can prescribe the one that is best for you).
• Take steps to prevent falls in your home, around your home, and in the workplace. Examples include discarding throw rugs; using brighter light bulbs to keep rooms well lit, including hallways and stairwells; placing grab bars in bathrooms; installing hand rails in stairwells, etc.

For more details, contact your local Regional Arthritis Center.