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Osteoporosis Risk Assessment

Osteoporosis is a long-term (chronic) disease that slowly weakens bones until they break easily. It is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. In some cases it may also be caused by medical conditions or medicines. Millions of Americans older than 50 have osteoporosis. Millions more have low bone mass, which puts them at risk for the disease. Osteoporosis mainly affects women. One in 2 U.S. women and 1 in 4 U.S. men older than 50 will have a broken bone at some point in their life because of osteoporosis. Use this tool to find out your risk of getting this disease.

What is your age?

What is your gender?Male Female

What is your race? African American Asian Caucasian Hispanic Other

What is your weight? lbs.

Height? feet inches

Do you have a history of anorexia nervosa or another eating disorder?Yes No

Do you have a history of heavy alcohol use (having on average more than 1 drink a day) or alcoholism?Yes No

Do you smoke?Yes No

Do you lead a sedentary life?Yes No

How many glasses of milk, or the same amount of dairy products, do you drink each day? Less than 1 serving of milk or dairy products daily [<1] 1 to 2 glasses of milk or dairy products daily 3 or more glasses of milk or dairy products daily

Do you have a family history of osteoporosis?Yes No

Your results

Because you are years old, your risk for osteoporosis is . Your risk of developing osteoporosis rises with age. In fact, older age is the greatest risk factor for osteoporosis. Younger people seldom have osteoporosis, but lifestyle choices made during teen years and young adulthood can put you at risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. It is most common in people who have gone through menopause, but it can also affect older men. At any age, other risk factors can add to or lower your risk.

Factors you have marked that raise your risk for osteoporosis include:

Your race. People who are white or Asian have a higher risk than people of other ethnic groups. Groups at lower risk include Blacks and Hispanics.
Your BMI. BMI is a measurement of body fat. People who have an extremely low BMI are at greater risk for osteoporosis than people of normal or high BMI. Talk with your healthcare provider about ways to gain weight.
Your history of anorexia nervosa or another eating disorder.
Your history of heavy alcohol use. Talk with your healthcare provider about ways to cut back on your drinking.
Your smoking history. Smoking reduces bone mass. Smoking may also interfere with estrogen levels in women and cause early menopause.
Your sedentary lifestyle. A lack of physical activity makes your bones lose their strength and become thinner. Over time, thinner bones may break.
Your diet. You get less than a glass of milk (or its equivalent) daily. People who don't drink at least a glass of milk each day are at higher risk. You can lower your risk by adding more calcium-rich foods to your diet.
Your family history of osteoporosis.

Your assessment shows that you currently have no risk factors for osteoporosis.

Your assessment shows that you currently have no risk factors for osteoporosis other than age.

Following a bone-healthy lifestyle now can prevent or delay osteoporosis later in life. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and a lifestyle that includes regular weight-bearing exercise are important to bone health no matter what your age.

Diet. Make sure you eat plenty of calcium-rich foods now. Most of the calcium that goes into building strong bones is added by the time you turn 17. Foods rich in calcium include low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, calcium-fortified orange juice, soy milk, and tofu. Make sure you get enough vitamin D. Foods rich in vitamin D include milk, orange juice, salmon, and cereals with added vitamin D. Or you can talk with your healthcare provider about taking a supplement of vitamin D.
Exercise. Daily exercise must be part of your life. Bones become denser with the force of muscles pulling on them and with the impact you get through running or weightlifting. Recent research shows that exercise makes it easier for your body to use calcium. Other types of exercise good for keeping up bone strength include walking, hiking, climbing stairs, playing tennis, and dancing.

Diet. Make sure you eat plenty of calcium-rich foods now. Most of the calcium that went into building strong bones was added by the time you turned 17. You need plenty of calcium now to keep that strength. Foods rich in calcium include low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, calcium-fortified orange juice, soy milk, and tofu. Make sure you get enough vitamin D. Foods rich in vitamin D include milk, orange juice, salmon, and cereals with added vitamin D. Or you can talk with your healthcare provider about taking a supplement of vitamin D.
Exercise. Daily exercise must be a part of your life. Bones become denser with the force of muscles pulling on them and with the impact you get through running or weightlifting. Recent research shows that exercise makes it easier for your body to use calcium. Other types of exercise good for keeping up bone strength include walking, hiking, climbing stairs, playing tennis, and dancing.

You are currently nearing or have reached menopause. Menopause is a time in life when your bones rapidly lose calcium. You can slow or delay osteoporosis as you get older. You can do this with a lifestyle that keeps dense, healthy bone. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and a lifestyle that includes regular weight-bearing exercise are important to bone health no matter what your age. So is good medical care.

Diet. Make sure you eat plenty of calcium-rich foods now. Most of the calcium that went into building strong bones was added by the time you turned 17. You need plenty of calcium now to keep that strength. Foods rich in calcium include low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, calcium-fortified orange juice, soy milk, and tofu. Make sure you get enough vitamin D. Talk with your healthcare provider about taking a supplement of vitamin D.
Exercise. Daily exercise must be a part of your lifestyle. Bones become denser with the force of muscles pulling on them and with the impact you get through running or weightlifting. Recent research indicates that exercise makes it easier for your body to use calcium. Other types of exercise good for keeping up bone strength include walking, hiking, climbing stairs, playing tennis, and dancing.
Medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider about other ways to lower your risk. If you are at risk, your provider may suggest one of several tests to find out your bone density.

You have reached menopause. Menopause is a time in life when your bones rapidly lose calcium. You can slow or delay osteoporosis with a lifestyle that keeps dense, healthy bone. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and a lifestyle that includes regular weight-bearing exercise are important to bone health no matter what your age. So is good medical care.

Diet. Make sure you eat plenty of calcium-rich foods. You need enough calcium now to keep up bone strength. Foods rich in calcium include low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, calcium-fortified orange juice, soy milk, and tofu. Make sure you get enough vitamin D. Talk with your healthcare provider about taking a supplement of vitamin D.
Exercise. Daily exercise must be a part of your lifestyle. Bones become denser with the force of muscles pulling on them and with the impact you get through running or weightlifting. Recent research shows that exercise makes it easier for your body to use calcium. Other types of exercise good for keeping up bone strength include walking, hiking, climbing stairs, playing tennis, and dancing.
Medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider about other ways to lower your risk. If you are at risk, your provider may suggest one of several tests to find out your bone density.

Men are at risk for osteoporosis in their later years. By this point, your body loses more bone than it makes. If too much bone is lost, you may be at risk for fractures. With advancing age, the quality and quantity of bone declines. You can lessen bone loss by staying active and increasing the amount of calcium you get in your diet. Calcium supplements and other osteoporosis treatments do have risks, so talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Diet. Make sure you eat plenty of calcium-rich foods. You need enough calcium now to keep up bone strength. Foods rich in calcium include low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, calcium-fortified orange juice, soy milk, and tofu. Make sure you get enough vitamin D. Talk with your healthcare provider about taking a supplement of vitamin D.
Exercise. Exercise may be harder for you at your age. If you can, try to exercise. Many studies have shown that exercise helps older adults. Exercise helps you with your strength and your ability to get around. Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
Medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider about other ways to lower your risk. If you are at risk, your provider may suggest one of several tests to find out your bone density.

Because of your advanced age, you may already have some loss of bone strength. You can slow further loss with a lifestyle that keeps dense, healthy bone. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and a lifestyle that includes regular weight-bearing exercise are important to bone health. So is good medical care.

Diet. Make sure you eat plenty of calcium-rich foods. You need enough calcium now to keep up bone strength. Foods rich in calcium include low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, calcium-fortified orange juice, soy milk, and tofu. Make sure you get enough vitamin D. Talk with your healthcare provider about taking a supplement of vitamin D.
Exercise. Daily exercise must be a part of your lifestyle. Bones become denser with the force of muscles pulling on them and with the impact you get through running or weightlifting. Recent research indicates that exercise makes it easier for your body to use calcium. Other types of exercise good for maintaining bone strength include walking, hiking, climbing stairs, playing tennis, and dancing.
Medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider about other ways to lower your risk. If you are at risk, your provider may suggest one of several tests to find out your bone density.

You already have some loss of bone strength. You can slow further loss with a lifestyle that keeps dense, healthy bone. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and a lifestyle that includes regular weight-bearing exercise are important to bone health no matter what your age. So is good medical care.

Diet. Make sure you eat plenty of calcium-rich foods. You need enough calcium now to keep up bone strength. Foods rich in calcium include low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, calcium-fortified orange juice, soy milk, and tofu. Make sure you get enough vitamin D. Talk with your healthcare provider about taking a supplement of vitamin D.
Exercise. Exercise may be harder for you at your age. If you can, try to exercise. Many studies have shown that exercise helps older adults. Exercise helps you with your strength and your ability to get around. Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
Medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider about other ways to lower your risk. If you are at risk, your provider may suggest one of several tests to find out your bone density.

Help from your healthcare provider

Your healthcare provider can help you understand your risk. They can also diagnose and help treat osteoporosis if you develop it.

Diagnosis. Several tests can diagnose osteoporosis. Your provider will figure out which test is best for you.
Treatment. New medicines are available to stop or slow bone loss. Some medicines may actually increase bone strength. These medicines all depend on your getting enough calcium and vitamin D. That means you will be an important part of treatment. You will be responsible for your diet and exercise.

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional health care. Always see a healthcare provider for advice about your health. Only your healthcare provider can determine if you have osteoporosis.

This assessment is not intended to replace the evaluation of a healthcare professional.

Medical Reviewers:

Joseph, Thomas N, MD

Turley, Raymond Jr PA-C

Wojcik, Stacey, MBA, BSN, RN