Much is known about good bone health and its effects on osteoporosis. However, many still cling to myths about this condition either forcing them into denial or lulling them into a false sense of security. In this article we will look at some of these myths and present the truth about osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is associated mostly with women. This tends to put men at risk because they falsely believe that they will not contract this condition. It is true that the majority of osteoporosis sufferers are women. However, it is a condition that can and does strike men. In fact, 20 percent of osteoporosis patients are men totaling about 14 million nationwide. This number is expected to grow quite substantially by the year 2010. Men also have a greater chance of suffering a fracture due to osteoporosis that contracting prostate cancer. Finally, men who suffer from hip fractures, related to osteoporosis are twice as likely to die within that year as women of the same age. This condition should not be taken lightly by men just because women seem more susceptible.

Race is something that seems to account for many of the myths about Osteoporosis. The condition seems to be most associated with Caucasian women. This figure has changed quite drastically. The truth is Asian women aged over 50 are estimated to have an equal amount of cases as Caucasian women. 49 percent of Hispanic women are estimated to have low bone mass which makes them just slightly lower than Caucasian women. Finally, 35 percent of African American women are expected to have low bone density which can lead to Osteoporosis.

Men and those from other ethnic groups have been mislead into thinking that they are not at risk for Osteoporosis. True that many of the cases do seem to affect Caucasian women over the age of 50 but the truth is it can attack anyone. The best way to avoid being another statistic is to practice good bone health habits early in life. If these are continued then the likelihood of preventing Osteoporosis greatly increases.