Be Informed: The Seven Main Myths of Osteoporosis

Wellness experts estimate that one in two women over the age of 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis – or low bone density. However, while this may make you think that everyone else is safe from the brittle bone disease, this is a myth. In fact, there are plenty of myths surrounding osteoporosis, and ignoring them or being misinformed could be detrimental to your wellbeing.

1. You don’t have to worry about osteoporosis – In fact, About one in two women and up to one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis, so, unfortunately, it is likely to affect your wellbeing.
2. Only old, Caucasian women develop osteoporosis – Yes, osteoporosis is common among white women, but men and women of all races and ages can have the disease.
3. If you break a bone from a serious fall or accident, you don’t need to worry about osteoporosis – Actually, broken bones from serious falls or accidents are often related to osteoporosis, and can be the first sign of low bone density in people over the age of 50.
4. If you have osteoporosis, you’ll be able to feel your bones getting weaker – Breaking a bone is often the first clue that you have osteoporosis, as it is commonly a “silent disease.” These broken bones can even occur without any noticeable pain.
5. An osteoporosis test is bad for your wellness, as it’s painful and exposes you to a lot of radiation – While the recommended bone mineral density test uses a central DXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) machine, it uses very little radiation. It is also simple, painless, and takes 5-10 minutes.
6. Bone health shouldn’t be a concern for your children and teenagers – Up to the age of 18, you’re still growing and developing and so you need to build strong bones. Your kids can do this, and prevent osteoporosis, by being physically active and getting enough calcium and vitamin D.
7. Milk, supplements and exercise eliminates your risk for osteoporosis – While these are certainly osteoporosis risk-reducing behaviours, there are many risk factors for osteoporosis and so you could still develop the disease.