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We break down osteopenia and osteoporosis with clear steps to protect independence: how bones weaken, how DEXA scoring works, and which daily habits reduce fracture risk. We share nutrition, exercise, lifestyle changes, and home safety that make a measurable difference.
• key stats on fracture risk in women and men over 50
• definitions of osteopenia and osteoporosis using T-scores
• hip, spine and wrist as common fracture sites
• why bone loss accelerates after menopause
• risk factors including family history, smoking and low weight
• DEXA scan basics and when to ask for screening
• calcium and vitamin D targets and food sources
• Mediterranean diet, protein and supportive micronutrients
• weight-bearing, resistance and balance training essentials
• Tai Chi and fall risk reduction
• home safety changes that prevent falls
• when medications like bisphosphonates or denosumab help
• practical questions to ask your clinician
References
1. Osteoporosis: Common Questions and Answers. Harris K, Zagar CA, Lawrence KV. American Family Physician. 2023;107(3):238-246.
2. Postmenopausal Osteoporosis. Walker MD, Shane E. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2023;389(21):1979-1991. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp2307353.
3. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis-2020 Update. Camacho PM, Petak SM, Binkley N, et al. Endocrine Practice : Official Journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. 2020;26(Suppl 1):1-46. doi:10.4158/GL-2020-0524SUPPL.
4. Global, Regional Prevalence, and Risk Factors of Osteoporosis According to the World Health Organization Diagnostic Criteria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Xiao PL, Cui AY, Hsu CJ, et al. Osteoporosis International : A Journal Established as Result of Cooperation Between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA. 2022;33(10):2137-2153. doi:10.1007/s00198-022-06454-3.
5. Screening for Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Curry SJ, Krist AH, Owens DK, et al. JAMA. 2018;319(24):2521-2531. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.7498.
6. The Cost of Osteoporosis, Osteopenia, and Associated Fractures in Australia in 2017. Tatangelo G, Watts J, Lim K, et al. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research : The Official Journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. 2019;34(4):616-625. doi:10.1002/jbmr.3640.
7. The Prevalence and Treatment Rate Trends of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women. Zhang X, Wang Z, Zhang D, et al. PloS One. 2023;18(9):e0290289. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0290289.
8. Osteopenia: A Key Target for Fracture Prevention. Reid IR, McClung MR. The Lancet. Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2024;12(11):856-864. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00225-0.
9. Effectiveness and Safety of Treatments to Prevent Fractures in People With Low Bone Mass or Primary Osteoporosis: A Living Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis for the American College of Physicians. Ayers C, Kansagara D, Lazur B, et al. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2023;176(2):182-195. doi:10.7326/M22-0684.
Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD & Nicole Aruffo, RN
Artwork: Olivia Pawlowski
