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Are You At Risk For Weak Bones?
From the Surgeon General's 2004 Report: "Bone Health: What It Means To You"
(Current as of December 2006)
Check any of these that apply to you.
- I’m older than 65.
- I’ve broken a bone after age 50.
- My close relative has osteoporosis or has broken a bone.
- My health is “fair” or “poor.”
- I smoke.
- I am underweight for my height.
- I started menopause before age 45.
- I’ve never gotten enough calcium.
- I have more than two drinks of alcohol several times a week.
- I have poor vision, even with glasses.
- I sometimes fall.
- I’m not active.
- I have one of these medical conditions:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Chronic lung disease
- Cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Chronic hepatic or renal disease
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Cushing’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- I take one of these medicines:
- Oral glucocorticoids (steroids)
- Cancer treatments (radiation, chemotherapy)
- Thyroid medicine
- Antiepileptic medications
- Gonadal hormone suppression
- Immunosuppressive agents
If you have any of these “red flags,” you could be at high risk for weak bones. Talk to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
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