Women's Health

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Women's Health
  • Email

Are You Bone Smart?

 More of this Feature

• Part 1: Osteoporosis The Silent Disease
 

 Join the Discussion

"I would like to know if any one has had problems with Fosamax®, a drug used for osteoporosis. I have had an unusual side effect, and am wondering how this drug is tolerated by the majority of patients taking it?"
CINCY369
 

 Related Resources

• Osteoporosis: Risk and Prevention
• Osteoporosis and Menopause
• NIH Panel Addresses Osteoporosis Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapy
• Estrogen and Your Bones
• Calcium For Life!
• Why Should You Exercise?
• Smoking and Women's Health
• Women's Health Over 60
• Ostoporosis Resource Center
 

 From Other Guides

• Osteoporosis Prevention Is Key
• Thyroid/Osteoporosis Controversy
• Osteoporosis Basics
• Bone Up On Osteoporosis
 

 Elsewhere on the Web

•National Osteoporosis Foundation
 

by Robin Hoogshagen, R.Ph.

If you are past menopause, take this quiz to help determine your risk for fracture due to osteoporosis.

Circle your point value for each question.

1. What is your current age?

Less than 65

0 points

65-69

1 point

70-74

2 points

75-79

3 points

80-84

4 points

85 and older

5 points

2. Have you broken any bones after age 50?

Yes

1 point

No

0 points

3. Has your mother had a hip fracture after age 50?

Yes

1 point

No

0 points

4. Do you weigh 125 pounds or less?

Yes

1 point

No

0 points

5. Are you currently a smoker?

Yes

1 point

No

0 points

6. Do you usually need to use your arms to assist yourself in standing up from a chair?

Yes

2 points

No

0 points

To Determine Your Fracture Index

  • Add your points from questions 1-6 above.
  • If your Fracture Index is 4 or greater you may be at higher risk for fracture due to osteoporosis. You should see your doctor for further evaluation.

Regardless of your index, if you are past menopause you should discuss your risk for fracture due to osteoporosis with your doctor. You don't have to accept fractures due to osteoporosis.

Robin Hoogshagen, R.Ph., is manager of Wal-Mart's Home Office Pharmacy in Bentonville, Ark. She joined Wal-Mart in 1993 as a staff pharmacist and was promoted to her current position in 1996. Her duties include training newly hired pharmacists and testing new pharmacy projects.

Recent Articles

100+ Subjects

Bookstore
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Name
 Email
Have a question? Or some advice to share?
New posts to the Women's Health forums:

hormone therapyno advise from doctor--help pls!!Discoloration on areola
New posts to the Voices of Hysterectomy forums:

Tummy Tuck after hyster!!Da Vinci hysterectomy?CA125/Hysterectomy& Gallbladder r...
New posts to the Premenstrual Syndrome forums:

Pregnant or not PregnantPreg or Menopauseno period and not pregnant whats wrong?
New posts to the Menopause forums:

symptomsCurious as to what order things happenPregnancy feelings

Tracee Cornforth
Guide since 1997

Tracee Cornforth
Women's Health Guide

More from About.com

Browse All About.com

Women's Health

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Women's Health