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Osteoporosis: Prevention starts in Childhood
Osteo-Circuit Newsletter June 2015
Osteo-Circuit Patient Newsletter
Osteoporosis can be considered a childhood disease with
geriatric consequences. This may come as a surprise as
we often associate osteoporosis with older adults
Prevention actually starts in childhood and it is crucial
that children and teenagers are building a strong “bone
bank” during these younger years.
What exactly is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis (or
porous bone) is a disease of low bone mass and structural
deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and
an increased susceptibility to fractures, especially of the
hip, spine and wrist. In summary, the reason that we are
concerned about osteoporosis and low bone density is
how it puts people at risk for fractures.
What You Need to Know! At least 1 in 3 women and 1
in 5 men over the age of 50 will suffer from an
osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. Over 80% of all
fractures in people over 50 are caused by osteoporosis.
In fact, fractures from osteoporosis are more common
than heart attacks, stroke and breast cancer combined.
A woman’s risk of breaking a hip due to osteoporosis is
equal to her combined risk of breast cancer, ovarian
cancer and uterine cancer. A man older than 50 is more
likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis then get
prostate cancer.
Osteoporosis in Children: Osteoporosis in childhood is
rare. When it does occur, it is usually the result of
medical conditions or medications. Diseases such as
juvenile arthritis, Crohn’s disease, or anorexia nervosa
can lead to osteoporosis. Prescribed medications such as
corticosteroid treatment can also be a cause.
Hip with Osteoporosis present
Peak Bone Mass is Achieved at an Early Age:
Girls obtain up to 95% of their peak bone mass by
age 18 and boys obtain up to 95% by age 20. Peak
bone mass is achieved at an early age: age 16 to 20
in girls and age 20 to 25 in young men.
This means those formative years for our youth are
extremely important for the prevention of osteoporosis in
their senior years. While genes account for 60 to 80% of
a person’s adult bone mass, lifestyle and hormones
contribute to the rest. Nutrition and exercise can be
important factors in up to 40% of an adult’s total bone
mass. Calcium and vitamin D play an important role in
building better bones.
Risks for Teens Getting Osteoporosis:
1. Not Getting enough Calcium.
2. Drinking too much soda.
3. Too little physical activity.
note that peak bone growth lags behind peak height
growth by about one year. At this point in a child’s
development there is an increased risk of fracture, as the
increase in bone mass is due to the increase in bone size
with little or no change in the amount of bone tissue in
the bones.
4. Smoking, which causes bone loss.
5. Family history.
6. Caucasian and Asian races are more at risk.
7. Being below normal weight.
8. For females, having irregular periods.
9. Heavy intake of alcohol.
Deposit some “Bone” in the Bank:
It is during a child’s preteen years the skeleton is most
responsive to calcium, protein and exercise. With this in
mind, it is important children are encouraged to eat a
healthy diet and avoid the osteoporosis risks. Plenty of
exercise, especially weight bearing exercises like running
and jumping are the most effective. The bone mass
gained from these healthy lifestyle choices may play a
significant part in preventing fractures later in life. The
important factors that determine peak bone mass are:
Genetics
Gender
Physical Activity
Hormones
Calcium
Nutrition
Vitamin D
Risk Factors
Lifestyle choices really do make a difference!
Make sure that Children and Teens are:
1. Exercising properly and regularly. If they
have pain or a condition that affects exercise,
then see one of our Osteo-Circuit
Physiotherapists for an assessment and
design of an individualized exercise
program.
2. Eating properly and getting adequate
Calcium and Vitamin D. Speak to your
Doctor if you have any concerns.
3. Avoiding lifestyle habits such as smoking,
alcohol and drinking too much soda.
For further information, please
contact:
Growth Spurts:
Growth and sex hormones between childhood and
puberty alter bone mineral buildup. It is interesting to
Bonny O’Hare, Physiotherapist & Director of
Pro Motion Physiotherapy, the Licensed
Osteo-Circuit Clinic in Thornhill, Ontario
Email: bonny@osteocircuit.com or telephone
905-731-1991.