Five-Minute Quiz That Reveals YOUR Risk of Deadly Bone Loss
According to research, they are a surprisingly deadly health threat, with half of those who suffer from them dying within five years.
Broken bones, especially those of the hip, appear to be more deadly than cancer in people over 65.
This common problem has long been associated with increased mortality due to the impact it has on independence and freedom of movement in older age.
Now a simple five-minute quiz could quickly reduce the chance of a life-threatening fracture by identifying those at risk.
According to experts, bone fractures can be prevented by preventing the development of the bone-decalcifying disease osteoporosis through strengthening exercises and dietary changes. Vitamin D levels can also be increased.
It comes as more than 14,000 women at risk of bone fractures due to a decrease in bone density during menopause could now benefit from a new osteoporosis drug
The tooldeveloped by the Global Osteoporosis Foundation, asks questions about medical history, previous bone problems and exercise habits, and uses these to calculate the likelihood of developing the condition.
A low score indicates low bone density and therefore a high risk of osteoporosis, while a higher score indicates healthy bones.
People with a low score are advised to have additional tests done by their GP. They may advise you to change your lifestyle or prescribe medications, such as romosozumab, teriparatide and alendronic acid, to reduce the risk of fractures.
It comes shortly after the health authority National for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved a new drug called abaloparatide for 14,000 women at risk of bone fractures.
Dr Taher Mahmud, a rheumatologist at the London Osteoporosis Clinic, says the drug “can play an important role in rapidly reducing the risk of bone fractures” but warns it should come secondary to significant lifestyle changes.
According to NICE, more than 2 million women in England and Wales have osteoporosis. The condition, which develops slowly over many years, weakens bones, making them more likely to break, the NHS says.
According to NICE, more than 2 million women in England and Wales suffer from the bone-thinning condition osteoporosis.
According to the Global Osteoporosis Foundation, women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
This is caused by reduced bone mass, a longer lifespan and changes in hormone balance during pregnancy and menopause.
The condition, which develops slowly over several years, causes bones to weaken, making them more likely to break, the NHS says.
For many, a broken bone is the first sign of the disease, but sometimes it is also noticed in older people, who have problems with a certain posture or have pain during daily activities.
The 14-question quiz asks you your age, gender, height and weight, and whether your height has decreased in recent years
Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, the quiz makers warn. Lower bone mass, longer lifespans and life events such as pregnancy and menopause are some of the reasons for this
You will also be asked about your medical history, such as whether you have ever had a broken bone, whether you use steroids and whether you have a chronic condition such as breast cancer or rheumatoid arthritis.
One question on the quiz is whether you have ever broken a bone, because previous fractures can increase your risk of future fractures.
The quiz consists of 14 questions and asks you for your age, gender, height and weight. You are also asked if your height has decreased in recent years.
You will also be asked about a medical history, including any fractures, prescription steroids, and long-term health conditions such as breast cancer or rheumatoid arthritis.
The survey asks whether you drink, smoke, are pregnant or in menopause and how much vitamin D you consume.
The so-called ‘sunshine vitamin’ is essential for the absorption of calcium into the bones, making them hard and strong.
Finally, you will be asked what type of exercises you do each week.
In addition to menopause, using steroids for more than three months or medications for anti-inflammatory conditions can also increase your risk of
Not taking vitamin D supplements is also considered a risk factor. This is because the vitamin is essential for calcium absorption.
Finally, you’ll be asked what type of exercise you do each week, choosing from walking, swimming, running, HIIT, strength training, and cycling.
The drug, called abaloparatide, is vital to help maintain bone density during menopause, as estrogen, the hormone important for maintaining bone density and strength, declines and bone density decreases
A score from one to ten is then calculated to determine your risk of osteoporosis and factors that may increase your risk are highlighted.
People scoring between 9 and 10 are simply told to keep their bones healthy, while those scoring between 6 and 8 are advised to discuss their results with their GP.
People who receive a score lower than five are advised to have a further assessment done.
In addition to menopause, when bone-strengthening estrogen levels drop, taking steroids for more than three months or medications for anti-inflammatory conditions can also increase risk.
Other factors include an eating disorder, low BMI, not exercising regularly, and drinking and smoking heavily.
Age is also a factor, as up until you are 40, bone cells that are taken up by the body are being replaced. But after this age, less bone is being replaced, meaning you need to stay active and eat a healthy diet to help limit some of this bone loss.
While Dr Mahmud believes the new osteoporosis drug abaloparatide “marks an important development in the management of bone health,” he cautions that medication must be secondary to important lifestyle changes.
He added: ‘While drugs such as abaloparatide can increase bone density, they do not address the underlying problems such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyle or hormonal imbalances.’
While we welcome new treatment options such as abaloparatide, our core message remains unchanged: the best approach to osteoporosis is a combination of lifestyle changes, good nutrition, targeted exercise and prudent use of medicines when necessary.
“Our policy is to encourage all women to have their bone health assessed and take proactive steps to keep their bones strong throughout their lives,” he said.
‘Many people are not diagnosed with osteoporosis until after they have suffered a fracture. We believe that osteoporosis should be recognized earlier and, more importantly, prevented in the first place through patient education.’