RISK FACTORS IN CANADIANS AGED 50+ INCLUDE:

The risk factors for osteoporosis most commonly recognized by Canadian women are age, family history of the disease and an inactive lifestyle.

Being 65 years or older Clinical risk factors for fracture (menopausal women, men age 50 to 64 years) Fragility fracture (breaking a bone as a result of a minor accident) Long term use of glucocorticoids such as prednisone Having a parent who had a hip fracture Having a spine fracture or low bone mass identified on x-ray Being a smoker High alcohol intake (greater than or equal to 3 units per day on a consistent basis) Low body weight (less than 60 kg or 132 lbs) or major weight loss (present weight is more than 10% below your weight at age 25) Having other disorders strongly associated with rapid bone loss and/or fracture such as rheumatoid arthritis, malabsorption syndrome, and primary hyperparathyroidism.