It is estimated that 400,000 women suffer from osteoporosis..........understand the lifelong need to care for their bones.

It is estimated that 400,000 women suffer from osteoporosis. This number is expected to rise to more than three million by the year 2050. In fact, a recent World Health Report estimates that one in every three women would eventually develop this brittle-bone disease.

Of the millions of women in the work force, women who have sedentary jobs and sedentary life-styles are more at risk. Women who have inactive jobs should include exercise to maintain their bones.

One of the biggest causes of osteoporosis is a lack of calcium in one's diet. Experts recommend an intake of 1200 to 1500 milligrams of calcium a day. Studies show that the mean daily consumption of most Malaysians is about 450 milligrams. Getting sufficient calcium in one's diet not only helps to build healthy bones but also helps to reduce the rate of loss to bone mass. The best sources of calcium are dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese and sardines. A calcium-rich diet and calcium supplements can provide the body with the amount of calcium it needs.

Women who have had their ovaries removed lack estrogen, a hormone produced by the ovaries that slows the wasting away of bones. Estrogen replacement therapy is prescribed in such cases. Estrogen has been found to reduce the risk of bone fracture.

Studies show that genetic inheritance can also make one susceptible to osteoporosis. Women with small or thin frames are more likely to develop the disease compared with women who have large body frames and large bone structure. Certain prescription medication tend to increase the risk of contracting the disease. Certain drugs especially cortisone-type drugs can affect the body's bone-producing capacity leading the bones to become fragile and brittle. Patients who depend on such drugs should seek expert medical advice. The medical expert may then prescribe calcium supplements together with other drugs. Smoking and alcohol enhance the risk of contracting the disease.

The disease is most common in Asian and Caucasian women who are petite, small-boned or thin. The sad fact is that many Asians still do not know much about the disease. In fact, there are many who have not heard about the disease at all. Although prevention is better than cure, early diagnosis and effective treatment can save the patient from pain. There are various steps that should be taken. Foremost among these is getting sufficient calcium in one's diet. Inclusion of a diet that is rich in vitamin D is recommended as vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium. Exercises which make use of gravity such as brisk walking, aerobics and dancing as well as weight-bearing exercises in which one bears the weight on the bones will help to ward off the disease. Steps should also be taken to increase awareness of the disease among the public. This will help them understand the lifelong need to care for their bones.

Summary: Osteoporosis, a disease mainly affecting older women, is caused by several factors. One of them is the lack of calcium in one's diet. A calcium-rich diet such as one that consists of dairy products can provide the body with the calcium i requires. Women who live sedentary lives should exercise more in order to maintain their bones. Women who have their ovaries removed suffer from a lack of estrogen, a hormone that slows down the wasting of bones. Estrogen replacement therapy increases the hormone in their bodies and reduces the risk of bon fracture. Other risk factors include a genetic predisposition to the disease, having small or thin body frames, smoking and alcohol. Certain drugs increase the chances of developing osteoporosis. Women depending on such drugs should take calcium supplements after consulting a doctor. besides calcium, the intake of vitamin D should also be increased as it helps the body to absorb calcium.