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Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone that makes it weaker and more likely to fracture. There are no symptoms of osteoporosis until a fracture occurs and because of this it tends to be under-diagnosed. All people over the age of 70 can be screened for osteoporosis by having a Bone Mineral Density scan done via referral from their GP.

Younger people with certain risk factors such as some chronic diseases, long term use of corticosteroids, smoking, and low body weight are also advised to discuss bone density screening with their GP. It is important to make sure your diet has sufficient calcium in it and that you are involved in daily weight bearing exercise such as walking, stair climbing, weights training, tai chi.

Discuss with your GP whether you may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency. There are specific medications that can be used to improve bone density once you are diagnosed with osteoporosis.