Saudi Gazette The Saudi Diabetes and Endocrine Association in the Eastern Province revealed that 30 percent to 50 percent of Saudi women over the age of 40 years develop osteoporosis. The incidence of this bone disease among women is double the rate of incidence among men in the Kingdom. The Association aims to increase public awareness about osteoporosis that can be debilitating and severely hinder the quality of life for those affected by it. Hip fractures are very common in elderly women as a result of even a minor fall, and the healing process is very long and cumbersome. Authorities must exert more efforts in educating women about the risk factors and preventive measures for osteoporosis. The real danger lies in the fact that osteoporosis silently creeps up in the bones; often without even causing pain. Without any warning signals, it gradually weakens bones. By the time, the victim experiences pain, possibly in the elbows or limbs or wrist joints or backbone, the disease progresses and makes the bones highly prone to fractures. Small framed women with thin bones face the greatest risk. Multiple pregnancies with prolonged breastfeeding in the absence of adequate calcium intake also increases the chance of developing osteoporosis. Factors that are directly related to the development of osteoporosis include poor diet, low calcium intake, lack of sunlight exposure (for vitamin D production), a sedentary lifestyle and smoking. __
