However, most are not clear on what steps, or how many, need to be taken to help prevent the disease. The survey was commissioned by the National Osteoporosis Foundation. The survey found women perceive their risk for osteoporosis to decline as they age, when in fact, their risk increases. The survey was conducted by Wirthlin Worldwide via telephone interviews with a nationally-representative sample of women age 45 and older and living in the contiguous United States. A total of 543 respondents were interviewed between Aug. 22 and Sept. 2, 1997.
Osteoporosis is a widespread disease that is both life diminishing and life threatening.
Caused by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissues, osteoporosis can lead to bone fragility and increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip, spine and wrist. One out of every two women and one in eight men over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. Each year, complications from hip fractures result in about 50,000 deaths. Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs.