What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that gradually weakens bones, causing them to become brittle and prone to fractures. Osteoporosis and its associated fractures can rob people of their mobility and independence. It is estimated that at age 50, a woman has nearly a 40% percent chance of developing an osteoporotic fracture during her remaining lifetime.

Risk Factors
Many women who are postmenopausal are at risk of osteoporosis. The presence of any one of the following factors can add to your risk

• Caucasian race or Asian ethnicity
• Thin or small build
• Family history of osteoporosis or osteoporotic fracture
• Early menopause (before age 45)
• Smoking
• Inactive lifestyle
• Chronic use of certain medications such as steroids, excessive thyroid hormone and certain anticonvulsants
• Excessive alcohol use

You also may have none of these risks and still be at risk of developing osteoporosis. Fortunately, with today's new medications, weakened bones can actually be strengthened.

Early Detection with a Bone Density Measurement Test
Early detection by taking a short bone density measurement test to determine your bone mineral density (BMD) is the best way to protect yourself from the potentially debilitating effects of osteoporosis. Be sure to ask your doctor whether a baseline bone density measurement scan will be of value to you.

Southeastern Connecticut Osteoporosis Support Group
Lawrence & Memorial Hospital welcomes the community to attend for free the Southeastern Connecticut Osteoporosis Support Group, an affiliate of the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Directions to L&M Hospital