Winter Fractures – How to Prevent them

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a silent thief. It is a life altering, disabling and potentially deadly disease. It is a condition in which ongoing loss of bone leads to thin fragile bones that break easily. The bone loss may continue to the point where the bones can no longer provide the points of attachment for the muscles and tendons or protection for the body’s organs. One of the most devastating issues is the fractures and collapse of the spine. This can lead to significant postural changes that affect your breathing and digestive system as well as your quality of life and that of your families. Osteoporosis causes an estimated 80% of 30,000 hip fractures annually in Canada. Sadly, less than 20% of women and 10% of men are appropriately tested after an osteoporosis-related fracture. Hip fractures related to osteoporosis result in death in up to 30% of cases and 23% of patients who fracture a hip die in less than a year. Osteoporotic hip fractures consume more hospital bed days than stroke, diabetes, or heart attack combined.