Originally published January 4 2006
Osteoporosis is dangerous because of its subtlety, experts say
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Malaysian Osteoporosis Society vice-president Dr. Chan Siew Pheng and other experts discuss the dangers of osteoporosis, called the "silent disease," and alerts readers to potential health hazards that can result from weakened bones.
IF you think you are at risk from osteoporosis, it is time for you to take action.
Early detection and prevention is crucial to avoid osteoporosis-related fractures, which in some cases can cause death.
Malaysian Osteoporosis Society vice-president Professor Dr Chan Siew Pheng says the society has over the last eight years organised various campaigns to increase awareness on this "silent disease".
They have to know what are the risk factors for osteoporosis because this disease does not have symptoms until fractures occur, after which the quality of life deteriorates very rapidly.
Osteoporosis is a disease in which a progressive decrease in the density of bones leads to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures.
Dr Chan, a consultant endocrinologist, says once a hip fracture happens, the person will become bedridden and unable to walk.
They should consult their doctors if they think they are at risk.
However, those who are above 65 years old are those in the higher risk category because fractures happened not only because of weak bones but also due to the risk of the person falling.
They will start losing it at 25 and eventually suffer from osteoporosis when they are 75, compared to women who have it at 60.
"The problem for us is that men's awareness on osteoporosis is even less because they are not interested to find out more.
Dr Chan says a wrong perception about osteoporosis is the popular belief that drinking milk alone will prevent someone from having the disease.
Dr Chan says that high-calcium milk is a good source of calcium and anybody who does not want to have weak bones has to have sufficient calcium in their diet.
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