From Osteopenia to Osteoporosis Why Early Action Matters

Remember, strong bones mean an active, independent, and fulfilling life-even as you age

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Bone health is something many people don't think about until a fracture happens. But our bones silently change over time, and one of the biggest risks to strong bones is the gradual loss of bone density. This process often begins with osteopenia—a stage where bone density is lower than normal, but not low enough to be called osteoporosis. Taking action at this stage can make all the difference in preventing serious problems later.

Osteopenia is not a disease on its own but a warning sign. It means your bones are weaker than they should be, but not as fragile as in osteoporosis. Doctors usually measure bone density with a test called a DEXA scan. If the score shows mild bone loss, that's osteopenia.

Common risk factors include:

• Aging

• Family history of osteoporosis

• Lack of calcium and vitamin D

• Sedentary lifestyle