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Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility. It often progresses without symptoms or pain until a fracture occurs, usually in the hip, spine or wrist. It can lead to pain, disability and, in some cases, even death. 1 out of 2 women will sustain an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime.
A woman's risk of developing an osteoporosis-related fracture is equal to her combined risk of developing breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer.
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Are a postmenopausal woman. |
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Have a calcium-deficient diet. |
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Have a family history of osteoporosis. |
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Are a thin, petite woman. |
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Smoke. |
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Are sedentary. |
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Drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages a day. |
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Several lifestyle choices can help to reduce your chances of developing this disease. Eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, supplementing your diet with calcium supplements and participating in weight-bearing
exercises such as walking, jogging, hiking, dancing and jumping rope may help reduce your chances of osteoporosis.
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Although osteoporosis mainly affects women, 2 million men have the disease, including one-third of men over the age of 75. In fact, 1 in 8 men over the age of 50 suffer fractures related to this disease. Warning signs in men include a change in posture or sudden back pain. However, the most common way osteoporosis is diagnosed in men is by a reduction in height or a fracture.
After age 65 to 70, men and women lose bone mass at about the same rate. While hip fractures in this age group are more common in women, they're often more serious in men. Men have a 26% higher death rate within a year after a hip fracture than women.
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A common misconception among women worried about osteoporosis is that they may be past the age when taking Caltrate would be helpful. It's never too late for Caltrate.
Scientific studies have shown that even mature postmenopausal women can benefit from greater calcium intake. In fact, in a clinical trial, Caltrate significantly reduced the risk of repeat vertebral fractures for postmenopausal women aged 66-80.†
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