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Preamble & Tokens | Philanthropy |
Recognitions | National Website
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 devastating disease.
We are proud to be partnered with [Best Bones Forever!], a national bone health campaign
that encourages girls to get active and eat more foods with calcium and vitamin D. It is aimed at helping girls between the ages of 9-14 and their
parents understand that now is the time to build strong bones for life.
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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 |
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It Is |
Just thin bones |
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Thin and substandard bone |
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Normal aging bone loss |
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A degenerative disease |
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Common all over the world |
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Common only in western countries |
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A female disorder |
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A male and female disorder |
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A disorder just for the elderly |
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Becoming common among the young |
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Something that goes wrong with our bones |
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Reaction to long term imbalances |
An isolated disorder |
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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
Delta Phi Lambda's Partnership:
Osteoporosis Resources:
Calcium-related Resources:
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