Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bones become thin, brittle, weak, and more likely to break. A combination of things, not all of which you can control, can increase your chances of getting osteoporosis. These include:

* being female
* a small body frame
* being thin
* a family history of the disease
* postmenopausal or advanced age
* abnormal absence of menstrual periods
* anorexia nervosa
* a diet low in calcium and vitamin D
* inactive lifestyle
* current cigarette smoking
* long-term use of glucocorticoids (medicines for many diseases like arthritis, asthma, and lupus).

While all women are at risk for getting osteoporosis, Asian American women have a higher risk because of their lower bone mass and density and smaller body frames. They also have a lower intake of calcium compared to other groups of women. As many as 90 percent of Asian Americans are lactose intolerant or cannot easily digest dairy products. Making sure to get enough calcium and exercise in the teen years and beyond can help prevent osteoporosis later in life. Your health care provider can find out if you have osteoporosis by giving you a bone mineral density test, which takes pictures like x-rays of the skeleton. If you are getting osteoporosis, you can prevent future bone fractures by having a calcium-rich diet, daily exercise, and drug therapy. Talk with your health care provider about what is best for you.

Publications

1. Age Page: Osteoporosis: The Bone Thief - This publication offers consumers health information on osteoporosis, including prevention and treatment options.

2. Bone Health and Osteoporosis - A Guide for Asian Women Aged 50 and Older - Discusses bone health for older asian women. Lists risk factors for osteoporosis, explains what osteoporosis is, gives recommendations for calcium and Vit. D intake and stresses importance of exercise. Also explains bone density testing and treatment for osteoporosis.

3. Bone Health and Osteoporosis - A Guide for Asian Women Aged 50 and Older (Chinese Version) - Discusses bone health for older asian women. Lists risk factors for osteoporosis, explains what osteoporosis is, gives recommendations for calcium and Vit. D intake and stresses importance of exercise. Also explains bone density testing and treatment for osteoporosis.

4. Bone Health and Osteoporosis - A Guide for Asian Women Aged 50 and Older (Korean Version) - This fact sheet provides information to older Asian Women about keeping their bones healthy and reducing the risk of fractures.

5. Bone Health and Osteoporosis - A Guide for Asian Women Aged 50 and Older (Vietnamese Version) - Discusses bone health for older asian women. Lists risk factors for osteoporosis, explains what osteoporosis is, gives recommendations for calcium and Vit. D intake and stresses importance of exercise. Also explains bone density testing and treatment for osteoporosis.

6. Frequently Asked Questions - Osteoporosis - This publication contains information on osteoporosis, the risk factors, information on pregnancy-associated osteoporosis, ways to protect yourself from osteoporosis, and how this bone disease is treated.

7. Osteoporosis and Asian American Women - This fact sheet explains why Asian American women are at high risk for osteoporosis and what steps they can take to prevent or treat it.

Organizations

1. National Institutes of Health, OPHS, HHS

2. National Osteoporosis Foundation

3. Office of Minority Health, OPHS, OS, HHS

4. Office on Women's Health, HHS

5. Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Reso