McClung said the longevity of the Redding support group is unusual. The support group meets once a month. Guest speakers address topics such as exercise or calcium supplements. The group wants to spread the message that osteoporosis is detectable, preventable and treatable, she said. Through its affiliation with the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the group taps into the latest reports and research on osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis develops slowly.
Osteoporosis affects both sexes, but 80 percent of those with osteoporosis are women, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Women are especially vulnerable to the disease following menopause when estrogen production drops. Estrogen helps prevent bone loss. Cells called osteoclasts absorb calcium from the bone so it can be used by the body, Boyd explained. Calcium helps keep the heart beating and muscles working properly.