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By Joseph M. Lane, M.D. and Judith Andariese, R.N.
Some cells remove old bone (resorption), while others build new bone (formation). As we get older, bone loss outpaces bone formation. Some people lose bone mass more rapidly than others, for reasons that scientists don't yet fully understood. Osteoporosis results when this decrease in bone mineral density is significant. It's a disease of global proportions, affecting more than 200 million people worldwide—over 20 million women and 5 million men in the United States alone.
Who's at Risk? But fractures do occur—a million and a half each year, usually of the spine, hip or wrist. White and Asian women have twice as many fractures as African-American women. Hispanic women are also at significant risk. Having risk factors doesn't mean you will develop the disease or have a fracture. ButÉif you have a number of the following characteristics, you should discuss testing your bone mineral levels with your doctor. Major Risk Factors
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BlueCross® BlueShield®
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