From the last 5-7 years, bone density has been talked about very much. Startling facts about bone density have come to light. Due to osteoporosis, one in 2 women, and one in 4 men, over the age of 50, will break a bone. Are you scared seeing the statistics?

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease. In this the density of the bone is decreased and the structural integrity of the bone is impaired, thus making the bone more brittle. Due to this the cortex, or outer portion of the bone, becomes thinner and more porous, thus making it more prone to fractures. 75 million people in the United States, Europe, and Japan are prey of this disease. In the U.S. alone, at least 1.3 million fractures are caused by this. Many people do not know they have it until they actually break a bone since the disease often shows no symptoms.

Bone density is highly important to our health to protect our bone health or even improve it. Start with a sit down visit to your physician. They will begin by taking a look at your diet and your lifestyle because a good healthy diet with adequate calcium and Vitamin D can help to keep your bones strong. For basic body functions, bones store extra calcium.

But when we don't get enough calcium our body robs our bones of this calcium and it makes our bones weaker. Be honest while talking with your doctor about your diet and possible calcium supplements. Increase your activity level. Take regular exercise, especially weight bearing exercise. These exercises are proven to increase your bone strength and bone density.

Exercising also helps your muscle strength which takes pressure off your bones. Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and also phosphoric acid from carbonated beverages, have all been shown to decrease the calcium in your bones. There are many ways both natural and medicated to help protect your bones.

You could have a Bone Density Test, painless procedure usually performed in the X Ray Department. With the help of this doctor can diagnose osteoporosis in the earliest stages. The strength of the bones and how they can withstand stresses can be tested and predicted with the test. You are considered to have osteoporosis if your bone density is reduced by a significant amount. DEXA Scan is the most common test to measure Bone Density.

A minimal amount of x-ray radiation is required to detect the decrease of lower spine, hips and perhaps the hands and wrists. By comparing your bone density levels with those of a healthy young adult this test try to detect the density of your bone. Anything above a Minus 1 is considered as normal bone density. You are depleting your bone mass if it is within the -1 to -2.5.

There are many options for treatment for patients who are diagnosed with Osteoporosis. There are several medications on the market. Better diets, different exercise methods, etc are vitally important in helping you to stay healthy and protect your bone density.