Osteoporosis currently affects about two million Canadians, but many more are at risk of developing this debilitating condition. Generally, young women achieve peak bone mass by the age of 20, and young men reach this milestone around the age of 25. But in their mid-thirties, both of these groups begin to experience bone loss, increasing their chance of serious fractures as well as chronic conditions such as osteoporosis. Furthermore, osteoporosis can be incredibly difficult to spot. Symptoms aren’t usually visible until a patient suffers from a fracture, which can severely impair their quality of life.
Fortunately, at-risk Canadians can take proactive measures to preserve their bones. Consistently consuming the recommended daily doses of calcium and vitamin D, maintaining healthy diet and exercise regimens, and limiting alcohol and tobacco intake can all reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. But these steps alone can’t completely protect patients. In some cases, the treatments they need to manage other conditions can end up having an adverse effect on their bones.
Several medications are known to have feature side effects that induce bone loss. These include hormone therapies for breast and prostate cancer, as well as prednisone and anticonvulsants. To help readers learn more about how they can prevent bone thinning, we’ve prepared this infographic outlining a few crucial steps.
There’s only one way to know if a specific drug will impact your risk of osteoporosis: by talking to your doctor. A qualified medical professional can outline the specific side effects of your medications and determine whether these side effects could induce bone loss. They can also assess your risk for osteoporosis and introduce you to practices that could reduce it.
