Osteoporosis is a disease that is characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue.  This puts people at risk for increased bone fragility and greater risk for fracture (broken bones).  Bone loss often occurs without symptoms and because of this Osteoporosis has become known as the “silent thief”. Fractures resulting from Osteoporosis are more common than heart attack, stroke and breast cancer combined.  One in five men and one in three woman will suffer from an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime.  In 2010 the overall cost to the Canadian healthcare system for treating osteoporosis and fractures relating to the disease was over $2.3 billion. Osteoporosis is to blame for over 80% of all fractures in people 50+ according to Osteoporosis Canada.  There are 30,000 hip fractures annually and osteoporosis is responsible for 70-90% of them.  The cost for the healthcare system for each hip fracture is $21,285 in the 1st year after hospitalization.  $44,156 if the patient is institutionalized. The chance of a 50 year old woman developing hip, vertebral or wrist fractures during her lifetime is 40%.  1 in 4 women who have a vertebral fracture will fracture again within one year.  20% of people who have Read more…