AM I AT RISK?

Almost three million Brits have osteoporosis – a condition which weakens the bones – and an estimated 500,000 fractures occur because of the condition every year. MICHELE O’CONNOR reveals what you need to know about your bones

■ OSTEOPOROSIS doesn’t necessarily have any symptoms. In fact, most sufferers are unaware of their condition until they suffer a fracture.

“Broken wrists in middle-age women, following a minor fall or bump, are classic warning signs,” says Sarah.

“However, some might notice they suffer back pain or a loss of height.”

If you have had an eating disorder,

Osteoperosis doesn’t necessarily have any symptoms, but back pain could be a sign

■ suffered a fracture after a minor fall, reached the menopause early, have a history of missed periods, or are on a long-term course of corticosteroid drugs, ask your GP for a referral to a specialist for a fracture risk assessment. This may include a bone density (DEXA) scan to help measure your bone strength.

Assess your risk of osteoporosis by taking the Stop at One quiz: stopatone.nos.org.uk

HOW IS IT TREATED?

DRUGS to reduce fracture risk act in different ways – reducing resorption or increasing bone formation. Most are antiresorptive drugs that slow down the activity of cells that break down old bone, while anabolic drugs stimulate cells that build new bone.

Salty convenience foods and fizzy drinks containing phosphoric acid can leach calcium from bones.

Too much caffeine and salt are also linked with lower levels of calcium in the body which, in the long term, can weaken bones.

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Yoga, Pilates, barre work – anything that builds up

every meal satisfies appetite – but try to pair it with alkalising fruits and vegetables so your blood pH remains neutral.”

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Avoid calcium ‘blockers’: your balance could help reduce falls later in life. One study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that Tai Chi practised weekly could reduce the risk of multiple falls in later life by almost 50%.Snack on prunes: Prunes contain potassium Tai Chi is good and boron which are for balance thought to boost bone metabolism and prevent loss of bone mass. Studies have shown that a diet rich in prunes can help prevent the detrimental effects of the menopause on bone density.