How Much Do You Know About Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis and low bone mass affect 44 million American men and women. Take this true/false quiz with eight questions to see how much you know about osteoporosis. After each question, you will find out if your answer is correct or incorrect. In addition, information about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment will be provided.

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder marked by loss of bone strength, and an increased likelihood of fractures.

True False

Correct.

Osteoporosis is a progressive condition in which bone density is lost, thereby weakening the bones and making them more susceptible to fractures.

Incorrect.

Osteoporosis is a progressive condition in which bone density is lost, thereby weakening the bones and making them more susceptible to fractures.

Osteoporosis affects men and women, and individuals of various race/ethnicity, equally.

True False

Correct.

Caucasian postmenopausal women are at the greatest risk for osteoporosis. However, women of other age, racial, and ethnic groups, and men and children, are also affected.

Incorrect.

Caucasian postmenopausal women are at the greatest risk for osteoporosis. However, women of other age, racial, and ethnic groups, and men and children, are also affected.

Individuals who have a large body frame are more likely to be at risk for osteoporosis.

True False

Correct.

A person with a small, thin body frame is actually more at risk for osteoporosis than someone with a larger frame and more weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is important.

Incorrect.

A person with a small, thin body frame is actually more at risk for osteoporosis than someone with a larger frame and more weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is important.

An individual with osteoporosis may not develop obvious symptoms signaling the disorder.

True False

Correct.

Individuals with osteoporosis may not develop any symptoms. However, height loss is not a normal part of aging, and experts agree it may signal bone fractures in the spine.

Incorrect.

Individuals with osteoporosis may not develop any symptoms. However, height loss is not a normal part of aging, and experts agree it may signal bone fractures in the spine.

The only way to diagnose osteoporosis is with an x-ray.

True False

Correct.

Osteoporosis is diagnosed by taking a complete medical history, a physical examination, and diagnostic procedures such as an x-ray or bone density test.

Incorrect.

Osteoporosis is diagnosed by taking a complete medical history, a physical examination, and diagnostic procedures such as an x-ray or bone density test.

The use of calcium supplements is the only effective way to help prevent osteoporosis.

True False

Correct.

Consuming a combination of foods rich with calcium (and vitamin D), such as fruits, vegetables, milk, and cheese, is the first line in osteoporosis prevention. Some individuals may need a calcium supplement in addition to a healthy diet.

Incorrect.

Performing regular, weight-bearing exercise may help prevent osteoporosis.

True False

Correct.

Exercise helps maintain bone health. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, stair-climbing, tennis, or dancing may strengthen bone.

Incorrect.

Exercise helps maintain bone health. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, stair-climbing, tennis, or dancing may strengthen bone.

Currently, there are several medications used to help postmenopausal women maintain bone health.

True False

Correct.

Recent studies show that a therapy using combined estrogen-progestin replacement (HRT) may increase the risk for breast cancer. Now experts are turning to other types of medications to reduce bone loss including drugs called alendronate sodium (Fosamax® ) and raloxifene (Evista® ).

Incorrect.

You answered out of 8 questions correctly.

• Examine those osteoporosis risk factors that apply to you, and take steps to eliminate or reduce the risks. • Modify risk factors that are acquired (not inherited through lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, and if you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. • Become aware of steps that help prevent osteoporosis such as weight-bearing exercises including walking and stair-climbing, and consuming a diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D including fruits, vegetables, milk, and cheese. • Consult your physician soon to determine if you have risk factors for osteoporosis that you may be able to address through diet, exercise, or medications.