| Osteoporosis
is a weakening of a person's bone mass. This weakening is so severe that
simple tasks such as walking to the store or bending over to pick something
up, may cause a broken or fractured bone.
Early detection is the key to Osteoporosis. It is often referred to as
the "silent crippler" because a person usually does not know
they have it until a bone it broken or fractured.
Your physician can help you determine if you have Osteoporosis or if
you are at risk by conducting a special test call Bone Mineral Density
(BMD) which measure bone mass. A (BMD) test is a special type of test
that is accurate, painless and noninvasive. Based on the results of the
BMD, your physician will know whether or not you have Osteoporosis or
are at risk of getting it. Your physician may recommend medication and/or
vitamins to help improve your bone mass. He or she may also recommend
changes to your diet and an exercise program.
Below are some sites on the WWW selected by the HSA as being worthwhile
sources of information. They should NOT be relied upon for personal diagnosis
or treatment. These sites are provided for general educational aid only,
and should not be relied on as a substitute for consultation with your
physician. If you have questions, please contact your healthcare provider.
HSA does not endorse any of these organizations. This list is not comprehensive.
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