Osteroporosis Fact Sheets
Patient Information Osteoporosis and People with Disabilities
Fact
- If you have a physical disability, you are at higher risk for osteoporosis than other people.
What Is Osteoporosis?
- Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become thin and weak, often resulting in fractures (broken bones). The most common breaks are in the hip, spine or wrist. Osteoporosis is called a "silent disease," because many people do not even know they have thin bones until one breaks.
Why Is This Important To Me?
- Recent advances in medicine and health care allow people with disabilities to live longer.
Now, people with disabilities face the same chronic conditions as the rest of the aging population, but often at an earlier age.
Why Are People with Disabilities at Higher Risk?
- You are at higher risk for osteoporosis because:
- You are less likely to build and maintain bone mass through muscle strength and use, and weightbearing activities.
- You are more likely to use medications that contribute to loss of bone mass (e. g., corticosteroids, seizure medications, prednisone, synthyroid, haldol).
- You do not get enough physical activity.
- Your genetic make up can contribute to your risk.
How Can I Protect My Bone Health?
- Make a commitment to build strong bones that will last a lifetime. Choose bone-healthy habits that will enable you to build bone mass and maintain it throughout your lifetime. A healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular weight bearing and muscle strengthening activities and other healthy lifestyle choices are the keys to building and keeping strong bones. Tobacco products are bad for your overall health, including your bone health. So, if you smoke - QUIT! Also, drinking alcohol to excess may be harmful for your bones. People who consume too much alcohol tend to have poor nutrition and an increased risk for injury related to falling. For more tips on protecting your bone health, talk with your health care providers.
0960 - New York State Department of Health - 7/02