Health Happenings

Consensus Panel Addresses Osteoporosis

Nutrition, exercise, and medicines can play important roles in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, according to an independent, non-government consensus panel convened by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Panel members acknowledged that maintaining optimal bone health is a lifelong process for men and women that begins in childhood. 

There is strong evidence that physical activity early in life contributes to higher peak bone mass. Clinical trials have shown that exercise reduces risk of falls by approximately 25%, and falls are a major cause of fractures in people with osteoporosis.

About 10 million people in the United States have osteoporosis, making it the most prevalent metabolic bone disorder in the country. An additional 18 million individuals already have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for the disorder.