About 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and approximately another 34 million people are estimated to have low bone mass, a condition that increases the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Although the majority of those with osteoporosis are women, osteoporosis can be a problem for men, too. The condition can affect people regardless of ethnic background, but postmenopausal women who are of Caucasian or Asian descent face a higher risk.

You could be at risk for osteoporosis if you:

• Are a postmenopausal woman over 50
• Are Caucasian or Asian, although African-American and Hispanic women are also at risk
• Have a family or personal history of fractures after age 50
• Are small-boned and thin
• Had early menopause before the age of 45 or stopped menstruating before menopause due to anorexia, bulimia, excessive exercise, or unknown causes
• Are a smoker or a heavy drinker
• Have not consumed adequate amounts of calcium and/or have vitamin D deficiency
• Have an inactive lifestyle
• Take certain medications for chronic diseases (ie, corticosteroids and chemotherapy)

In the fall of 2004, the Surgeon General issued a report on bone health and osteoporosis. According to that report, you could be at risk for developing osteoporosis if you have certain conditions or risk factors. Here's a quick checklist to print out, fill out, and take to your doctor.

  Check all that apply to you:

• I'm older than 65
• I've broken a bone after the age of 50
• A close relative has osteoporisis or has broken a bone
• My overall health is "fair" or "poor"
• I am a smoker
• I am underweight for my height
• I am a woman who started the "change of life" (menopause) before age 45
• I've never gotten enough calcium
• I have more than two drinks of alcohol several times a week
• I have poor vision, even with glasses
• I sometimes fall
• I'm not active

  I have one of these medical conditions:

• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Chronic lung disease
• Cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Chronic hepatic or renal disease
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Cushing's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

  I take one of these medicines:

• Oral glucocorticoids (steroids)
• Cancer treatments (radiation, chemotherapy)
• Thyroid medicine
• Antiepileptic medications
• Gonadal hormone suppression
• Immunosuppressive agents

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*Source: The 2004 Surgeon General's Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis