Over 75 million people suffer from osteoporosis, a common but serious bone disease. This condition causes the loss of bone mass, resulting in brittle bones that break easily. That’s why the physicians at Fairview Clinic, P.C. in Dothan, AL, want to help you avoid osteoporosis through preventative care and education. Here, these internal medicine experts will explain what you need to know about this health issue.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form new bone, or when too much old bone is reabsorbed, or both. In either case, your bones will start to weaken, and the condition can progress to the point where the bones are so brittle they can snap as a result of a minor action, like a cough. 

What Causes Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis has a number of underlying causes. These include age and gender: Women who have been through menopause are most likely to be affected by the condition. Your medical history may also increase your likelihood of developing osteoporosis. Certain autoimmune disorders, digestive illnesses, endocrine conditions, and even cancer can affect your risk level. Talk to your doctor about your medical history and how it affects your odds of developing osteoporosis. 

How Can I Prevent Osteoporosis?

Since osteoporosis is such a common condition and symptoms don’t often appear until this health issue is advanced, it’s important to visit your doctor regularly for a bone density scan. A scan performed at the Fairview Clinic, P.C. office will provide you with benefits like early diagnosis and ongoing osteoporosis monitoring. You should also get regular physical activity and make sure your diet has plenty of calcium and vitamins.

The patient-centered internal medicine team at Fairview Clinic, P.C. wants to keep you and your bones healthy. For personalized, superior-quality medical care, call them at (334) 794-3192 or follow them on Twitter for helpful preventative care tips.