Osteoporosis Health Video

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that leads to weak bones and an increased risk of fracture. Learn more about osteoporosis in this obstetrics video.

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Skeletal disease of low bone mass
Usually diagnosed after accident, fracture
Women should take in calcium to prevent osteoporosis
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium
Active lifestyle is best defense

About this Author

Dr. Mieke D. Lane, D.O. currently works as an OB/GYN at the Cascadia Women's Clininc in Vancouver, Washington. Mieke Lane D.O. graduated from Des Moines University and completed her residency at St. John Detroit Riverview in Detroit, Michigan as an obstetrician/gynecologist. She has recently moved to the Northwest and enjoys exploring what it has to offer. Mieke has a special interest in Chinese language and culture and enjoys reading, listening to jazz, and cooking for friends and family.

DR. MEIKE D. LANE: Hi, I'm Dr. Meike Lane. I work for Cascadia Women's Clinic in Vancouver, Washington. Today, I'm going to speak with you regarding osteoporosis. This is a skeletal disease characterized by low-bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. It's typically a symptomatic until a precipitating even occurs such as a fracture and your healthcare provider completes an evaluation. Risk factors include Caucasian and Asian raise, family history of osteoporosis, poor overall health, cigarette smoking, high alcohol and caffeine intake, low body weight and sedentary lifestyle. Evaluation of osteoporosis usually began at the age of 65 or sooner than that if you have two or more risk factors. Your healthcare provider will order a bone scan to evaluate your bone mass. It's recommended that women between the age of 25 and 50 take a thousand milligrams of calcium a day to prevent osteoporosis. Post-menopausal women need to be taken at least 1200 to 1500 milligrams a day. Pregnant and nourishing women also need 1200 to 1500 milligrams a day. It's important that you take vitamins D approximately 400 to 800 international units a day with your calcium to ensure that your body absorbs the calcium properly. If you develop osteoporosis, you may need to be treated with the medication that prevents bone reabsorption. It's important to maintain an active lifestyle to help prevent osteoporosis. Please contact your healthcare provider for more details on screening for osteoporosis.