Women who suffer from osteoporosis fear losing their independence and regret not taking steps earlier to prevent or limit the disease, according to a recent National
Osteoporosis Foundation Gallup poll. The poll shows how the disease affects women's lifestyle and identifies opportunities for raising awareness on prevention.
Osteoporosis is considered a silent disease that affects more than 23 million women in the U.S. It often goes unnoticed until a fracture, especially of the wrist, spine or hip,
occurs.
More than two-thirds of women with osteoporosis feel it could affect their independence in the future and 81% are concerned that they could break a bone and become less able to
perform daily activities. In terms of prevention:
- 90% wish they had been aware of more ways to prevent the disease;
- 33% reported taking steps to prevent or slow osteoporosis before their diagnosis, with the chief preventive step being calcium supplements; and
- 82% say that, in retrospect, they wish they'd spoken to their doctors about the risks of osteoporosis.
(Perry Communications Group, Elizabeth Helms, 916/658-0144)