Osteoporosis affects 55% of the people over the age of 50. Of the 10 million Americans who are suspected of having osteoporosis, 8 million are woman and only a mere 2 million are men. (NIH ORBD~NRC – Fast Facts on Osteoporosis). Osteoporosis is a widely effected disease due to low bone mass and the deteriorating of the bone tissue. The deterioration causes the bones to become porous and more fragile, making the person more susceptible to fracture-related injuries. Osteoporosis is sometimes called the "silent disease" due to the minimal and sudden symptom. Those that have this disease may not be aware of it until they actually fall and get injured. In this paper, I will describe osteoporosis in more detail while focusing this disease among the Asian population (mostly women) and among men in general. I will also discuss recent studies on the prevention of osteoporosis and what one should do as they age towards the age of 50 or older.
             The most common injuries caused by osteoporosis are fractures. Of the 1.5 plus million osteoporosis-related fractures each year, almost half are vertebral fractures. Hip and wrist are the next common sites for fractures. Although many people may not be at risk for fractures, there are many factors that might increase the likelihood of a person developing osteoporosis. These "risk factors" include those with low bone mass, a history of a 1st degree relative having a fracture, being thin, being old, being female, ladies having amenorrhea (abnormal menstrual periods), menopause resulting in estrogen deficiency, low calcium intake, Vitamin D deficiency, regular use of medication such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants, having an inactive life style, cigarette smokers, excessive use of alcohol, low testosterone levels in men and being Caucasian, Asian, African American or Hispanic Americans, (NIH ORBD~NRC – Fast Facts on Osteoporosis).
             Although hip fractures may be one of...