Osteoporosis

One in two women and one in four men over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. Osteoporosis, often called "the silent disease" due to the asymptomatic nature of bone loss, is characterized by diminishing bone density and structural deterioration of bone tissue, which leads to increased susceptibility to fractures.

Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital’s osteoporosis programs help men and women understand risk factors and implement steps to maintain healthy bones throughout their lives.

To help determine your risk of osteoporosis, we perform a comprehensive bone densitometry study that reviews the density of your lumbar spine (low back) and hip bones. Risk factors for osteoporosis include:

• Abnormal absence of menstrual periods
• Advanced age
• Anorexia nervosa
• Being Caucasian or Asian
• Being female
• Being thin
• Current low bone mass
• Estrogen deficiency in women
• Family history
• Having a small frame
• Low lifetime calcium intake
• Low testosterone in men
• Use of alcohol

To treat or prevent osteoporosis, your physician may recommend joining our Osteoporosis CARE (Complete Aerobic and Resistance Exercise and Education) Therapy Program. In this unique program, a physical therapist will customize therapy designed to educate and train you in all aspects of osteoporosis prevention and treatment, including diet, lifestyle and body change, medical intervention guidance or weight-bearing exercise.

For more information, talk to your Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital physician.

Learn More about Osteoporosis

• New Vitamin D Recommendations: Are You and Your Kids Getting Enough?