Extraordinary Health Magazine Extraordinary Health Vol 21 | Page 37

Concerned About Your Bone Health? You Should Be . . . T he Surgeon General predicted over a decade ago that bone disease and fractures “will have a tremendous negative impact on the future well-being of Americans.” As we age, the renewal of bone structure slows, causing bones to lose density and become more porous and brittle, resulting in unexpected fractures. When talking about bone loss, the increased risk of osteoporosis should be of major concern. Some of the statistics should bring this home: • Osteoporosis leads to 1.5 million fractures per year—mostly hip, spine and wrist. (National Institutes of Health) • Osteoporosis afflicts 52 million Americans. (National Osteoporosis Foundation) • One in two women past the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteo