The most common bone fractures of osteoporosis occur in the vertebrae, back, hip, forearm, or wrist. One of the most serious is a hip fracture, which usually results from a fall. While the fracture can heal normally, the accident often sets in motion a cascade of other health problems that are accelerated because of the person's age. Women who fracture their hips tend to be less healthy than those who do not, according to Lane, and pneumonia is often a complication that proves fatal. Prevention of osteoporosis means prevention of low bone mass, and lifestyle factors are important.
Good sources are dairy products and calcium supplements.
D is essential for bone health. It promotes calcium intake and maturation of bone cells. Good sources are sunlight and a daily multiple vitamin. But like any medication there are risks, including breast cancer, other cancers, clotting problems, and gallstones, and each woman must evaluate her individual benefits and risks, according to Lane. In my practice I treat many men and women who have shrunk two or three inches in height as a result of osteoporosis, and it's unfortunate because it could have been prevented.