Greta Leonard RN, CDT

Are you at risk for Osteoporosis?

To help prevent osteoporosis or live with it safely, you need to know what factors put you at risk. Do you have any of the following?

• Your gender. Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.

• Do you have a thin, small-boned skeleton

• Your age. The longer you live, the greater the likelihood of developing osteoporosis.

• Heredity. Do you have any older relatives who have broken a bone?
Or have you broken a bone as an adult?

• Race and Ethnicity. Osteoporosis affects all races and ethnicities, but Asian, Caucasian, and Hispanic people are at higher risk.

• For women who have gone through menopause, you are at a higher risk.

• Lifestyle choices can also put you at risk. Do you smoke? Do you drink excessive amounts of alcohol? Does your diet contain too much caffeine? Are you physically active? Are you getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet and supplements?

Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors. Your healthcare provider will help you to make the best choices in protecting your bones.

More information to follow…

Greta is the coordinator for the Idaho Osteoporosis Center, affiliated with Saltzer Medical Group.
Located at Mercy North Health Center, 4400 E Flamingo Ave, Nampa, ID 83687
Hours Mon-Fri 8:30-4:00