Take this quick quiz. If your osteoporosis risk is significant, use Arthritis Today as your source for osteoporosis information, such as the latest updates on treatments and research.
__ I went through menopause (either naturally or due to surgery or other treatments) before the age of 45.
__ Since I was 45 years old, I have broken a bone while falling from a standing or sitting height.
__ I have a close relative with osteoporosis.
__ I have a close relative who broke a bone after the age of 45.
__ I have lost more than one inch from my tallest height.
__ I weigh less than 125 pounds.
__ I smoke.
__ I drink more than 2 servings of alcohol several times a week.
__ On average, I do fewer than 3 weight-bearing activities, such as walking, running, dancing, or tennis, each week (at least 20 minutes each time).
__ I avoid the sun or use sunscreen every time I go outside.
__ I don't eat at least 2 servings a day of dairy or green leafy vegetables or calcium-fortified foods (such as 1 cup of milk, yogurt or calcium-fortified orange juice or soy milk).
__ I don't take a calcium or vitamin D supplement.
__ I have a serious medical condition, such as chronic lung disease, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Cushing's disease, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, thyroid disease, cancer.
__ I take or have taken oral glucocorticoids (steroids, such as prednisone), cancer treatments (such as chemotherapy or hormone treatments for breast cancer or prostate cancer), thyroid medicine, anti-seizure medicine, immunosuppressive medicine (for such conditions as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease).
__ I am of Caucasian, Asian, Hispanic, African American, Other origin.
__ I am older than 65.
Assess your risk: If you checked off one or more of these risk factors you are at risk for osteoporosis, and should discuss your bone health and possible lifestyle changes with your doctor.
This tool was developed by the U.S. Bone and Joint Decade. The Arthritis Foundation – a reliable source for osteoporosis information – is a member of the multidisciplinary organization focused on bone and joint health promotion, education and research.
