Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is Delta Phi Lambda's national philanthropy. Women, particularly Asian women, have higher risks of developing osteoporosis. With our support of research and various non-profit organizations in the battle against osteoporosis through numerous philanthropic efforts, we're able to better inform the community about this debilitating disease.

Delta Phi Lambda Teams Up with Office on Women’s Health for Best Bones Forever! Campaign

Atlanta, GA – Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., the sorority that advocates Asian awareness, female empowerment, and leadership, began its partnership with the Office on Women's Health on September 1, 2009 for Best Bones Forever!, a campaign to help girls and young women adopt healthy habits to build strong bones. We're proud to announce our partnership with Best Bones Forever!

"Because our national philanthropy is osteoporosis education and prevention, partnering with the Office of Women's Health for the Best Bones Forever! campaign was a logical choice for Delta Phi Lambda," said National President Hannah Seoh. Seoh further explains the significance of this initiative, "By raising awareness, we hope to uplift young women in our surrounding communities so that they may grow up to be strong contributing leaders in our society."

By promoting the Best Bones Forever! campaign, Delta Phi Lambda plans to raise awareness through community outreach programs. These programs would address health issues that early developmental age groups face and teach girls to take preventive measures now so that they may reduce the chance of developing problems as they grow older.

The campaign plans to increase awareness of bone-healthy habits and affect behavior change in girls aged 9-14. “We want girls to know that if you're older than nine, now's your time!” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. By combining increased calcium and vitamin D consumption with bone-strengthening activity, young women can build strong bones and lead healthier lifestyles in the future. Sibelius says, “building strong bones now will help you stand tall for a lifetime.” Girls can find fun ways to achieve a healthier lifestyle by going to www.bestbonesforever.gov, in addition to creative calcium enriched recipes to increase bone health or fun physical activities like soccer that girls could do with their friends.

What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease characterized by low bone mass and, thus, bones that are susceptible to fracture. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks, typically in the hip, spine, or wrist. A hip fracture can limit mobility and lead to a loss of independence, while vertebral fractures can result in a loss of height, stooped posture, and chronic pain.

 

 

Misperceptions of Osteoporosis

Is Not It Is
Just thin bones
Thin and substandard bone
Normal aging bone loss
A degenerative disease
Common all over the world
Common only in western countries
A female disorder
A male and female disorder
A disorder just for the elderly
Becoming common among the young
Something that goes wrong with our bones
Reaction to long term imbalances
An isolated disorder
Manifestation of the breakdown of the body

 

What Are the Risk Factors for Osteoporosis?
There are several factors that increase your chances of developing osteoporosis, including:

  • a thin, small-boned frame
  • previous fracture or family history of osteoporotic fracture
  • estrogen deficiency resulting from early menopause (before age 45), either naturally, from surgical removal of the ovaries, or as a result of prolonged amenorrhea (abnormal absence of menstruation) in younger women
  • advanced age
  • a diet low in calcium
  • Caucasian and Asian ancestry (African American and Hispanic women are at lower but significant risk)
  • cigarette smoking
  • excessive use of alcohol
  • prolonged use of certain medications.

Are There Any Special Issues for Asian Women Regarding Bone Health?
Recent studies indicate a number of facts that highlight the risk that Asian American women face with regard to developing osteoporosis:

  • Compared to Caucasian women, Asian women have been found to consume less calcium. One reason for this may be that up to 90 percent of Asian Americans are lactose intolerant. Therefore, they may avoid dairy products, the primary source of calcium in the diet. Calcium is essential for building and maintaining a healthy skeleton.
  • Asian women generally have lower hip fracture rates than Caucasian women, although the prevalence of vertebral fractures among Asians seems to be as high as that in Caucasians.
  • Slender women have less bone mass than heavy or obese women and are, therefore, at greater risk for osteoporotic bone fractures.

How Can Osteoporosis Be Prevented?
Building strong bones, especially before the age of 20, can be the best defense against developing osteoporosis, and a healthy lifestyle can be critically important for keeping bones strong. To help prevent osteoporosis:

  • Eat a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
  • Exercise regularly, with an emphasis on weight-bearing activities such as walking, jogging, dancing, and lifting weights.
  • Don't smoke and limit alcohol intake.

*Information taken from the National Institutes of Health - National Resouce Center

Osteoporosis Resources:

Calcium-related Resources: