For decades we have known that the risk increases a woman for osteoporosis if they are white or Asian, who use 50 years or older, thin or small frame, diet, smoking little calcium and vitamin D, or drink too much alcohol. What was known until recently how fast and widespread bone loss occur in postmenopausal women. New statistics have climbed medical experts, for answers.

In the U.S., osteoporosis and low bone mass are now believed to be a major public health threat for 44 million Americans aged 50 and older are. By 2010 this number is expected to increase to over 52 million. Almost half of all women and a quarter of men aged 50 and over will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture in their remaining lifetime.

Currently, the disease affects an estimated ten million Americans – eight million women and two million are men. Another 34 million Americans, most of whom are women, have a low bone mass by an increased risk for osteoporosis. In addition, osteoporosis is responsible for first 5 million fractures, and direct health care costs associated with these fractures estimated 18 billion U.S. dollars per year. That’s right, billion with a “B”.

Hip fractures account 300 000 hospital admissions per year. About 20% of seniors who suffer a hip fracture die within a year to maintain the fracture, and another 20% of all hip fracture patients in a nursing home within a year. These figures are disturbing, to say the least.

While there is no clear explanation for this increase in the incidence of osteoporosis in older women, poor diet and physical inactivity are suspected to play a role. In fact, a recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey concluded that many Americans, especially women, ethnic minorities and socially disadvantaged, not the current recommendations for adequate calcium and vitamin D intake through diet alone or together with calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Another factor involved in the steep increase in osteoporosis cases, drinking too much coffee in older women. There is growing evidence that caffeine reduces blood calcium levels by increasing calcium excretion in urine, and this increases the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. In a study published in 2001, for example, lost postmenopausal women who consumed 300 milligrams of caffeine per day, more bone mass in the spine compared to women who consumed less than 300 milligrams per day.

So is there something to do, a woman can slow bone loss? Many experts believe that the results of new studies on the amount that a wake-up call for all women to you to take immediate steps to protect themselves against the weakening of osteoporosis. The current health advice is that older women should ensure that they begin to fulfill their daily calcium and vitamin D through diet alone or with supplements.

They should also get regular physical activity. grant examples of exercises that bone health benefits walking, jogging, ball games, dancing, climbing, stir and skating. sets for bone health, any physical activity, stress or strain on bones will help the bone and increases its density. On the other hand, exercises such as cycling and swimming can not offer the same benefit, because these exercises, the bone support, rather than put under stress.

Of course, older women take care of smoking. In addition to the negative impact on a woman, bones, there are a number of health problems associated with smoking. Cigarette smoke produces toxins in the body and increases a person’s risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis.

The bottom line is that the numbers do not lie, and the latest figures point to a silent epidemic of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. However, older women should not feel helpless, there are steps they can take to fight back. These steps include enough calcium and vitamin D, getting regular physical activity to avoid, moderation drinking coffee and smoking. But they need to get started. The time is now, tomorrow may be too late.