Osteoporosis

A systemic disorder characterized by loss of bone tissue and bone density, making the skeleton more fragile.  Calcium loss from bones makes bones porous, causing them to be less dense and prone to fracture.  It mostly affects Asian and Caucasian women, as well as people with medical conditions such as celiac disease, gastric bypass, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson’s, and people taking corticosteroids, intravenous heparin, lithium, depakote, and thyroid replacement meds.  Treatment is by dietary supplement of calcium and medically supervised exercise. 

For more information see www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/osteoporosis/default.asp