Myth 1: Most people don’t need to worry about osteoporosis. One in two women and one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. The disease causes some two million broken bones every year.
Myth 2: Osteoporosis is only a problem for older Caucasian women. Men and women of all races can have the disease. While the disease is more common in older people, it can strike at any age.
Myth 3: Don’t worry about osteoporosis if you break a bone from a serious fall or accident. Broken bones in people over the age of 50 can be the first sign of low bone density or osteoporosis, especially when due to a fall or accident.
Myth 4: People with osteoporosis can feel their bones getting weaker. Osteoporosis is commonly called a “silent disease” because breaking a bone is the first clue you have the disease. Broken bones can occur without any noticeable pain.
Myth 5: An osteoporosis test is painful and exposes you to a lot of radiation. Experts recommend a bone mineral density test which is simple, painless, takes 5-10 minutes and uses little radiation.
Myth 6: Osteoporosis isn’t serious. Broken bones can affect physical, mental, and emotional health, and even result in death.
Myth 7: Taking extra calcium supplements can help prevent osteoporosis. Taking more calcium than you need does not provide extra benefits. Women age 51 and older need 1200 mg daily; men 71 and older need 1200 mg.
Myth 8: Most people do not need to take a vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D helps your body use calcium. If you don’t get enough vitamin D, or if your body doesn’t absorb it well, you are at greater risk for osteoporosis. Women and men 50 and older need 800-1000 mg. daily.