This past week, we celebrated National Osteoporosis Awareness Week in the Philippines, first proclaimed in 1998 by then President Joseph Estrada for every second week of the month to be dedicated to raising awareness for this condition. World Osteoporosis Day is also celebrated every year on 20 October.

As people are living longer, the cases of osteoporosis around the world are increasing.  Right now, one fracture due to osteoporosis occurs every three seconds.  After 50 years of age, one in three women and one in five men will suffer a fracture in their remaining lifetime. Having a fracture can lead to complications and even death.

Osteoporosis means "porous bone," or that the bones are weaker and more prone to fracture because they have lost some of their mineral content.  You cannot feel your bones becoming weaker, however, so it is called a "silent disease."  Sadly, some only discover that they have osteoporosis after they have already suffered a fracture.

Osteoporosis should be suspected if a fracture occurs easily and with minimal force, like from tripping accidentally and falling from a standing height.  While falls are the most common cause, fractures can also be caused by milder forms of trauma — bending over, sudden twisting of the torso or even just forceful coughing.

Risk factors for osteoporosis include advancing age, but it is not a given that all older persons  will develop osteoporosis. This can occur in younger persons as well. Other risk factors are being Asian or Caucasian, a family history of osteoporosis, being underweight, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, lack of exercise and a diet low in calcium and vitamin D, which are essential nutrients for building strong bones. Some endocrine or hormone problems can also lead to osteoporosis.