Osteoporosis-linked fracture rates up dramatically

...a number of factors could be involved.
One is the aging of the population, Elixhauser said, though this alone cannot account for the 55 percent increase.
Other culprits include lack of exercise, which helps build and preserve bone mass, and inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D -- two nutrients crucial to bone health.
Another potential factor, according to Elixhauser, is increased use of certain medications that can lower bone mass, such as diuretics to treat high blood pressure and proton-pump inhibitors used to treat acid reflux.
osteoporosis prevention early on, Elixhauser advised.
That, she said, means not smoking, drinking alcohol only in moderation and getting adequate calcium and vitamin D through food or, if necessary, supplements. Lifelong exercise -- especially weight-bearing activities that put the bones under some stress, like jogging, jumping and brisk walking -- will also help build and maintain bone mass.




Osteoporosis-linked fracture rates up dramatically