Osteoporosis: The Silent Disease

Tammy Barnard and Wendy Dahl.

Osteoporosis affects nearly 10 million Americans, most often adults over the age of 50. In osteoporosis, bones become brittle and can easily fracture. It is referred to as “the silent disease” because there are no symptoms, but it could lead to joint pain, loss of stature, and increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine (National Institutes of Health, 2023). Currently, there is no cure for osteoporosis. However, with early detection, lifestyle changes and medications can help the disease from progressing further.

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