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Osteoporosis and other bone-density-related problems affect everyone ' men, women, young and old. Although women and the elderly are more susceptible in getting such diseases, men and the younger generations are not immune to them. Figures from the National Institute of Health, Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases-National Resource Center show that over two million men in America have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. Furthermore, it is estimated that about 80,000 men suffer from hip fractures every year and almost 33% of these men die within 12 months after the injury.

Scientists believe that smoking is one reason why there is an alarming rate of increase in people affected by osteoporosis. Many used to believe that smoking only affects bone density of old people and women. However, studies conducted in Sweden and China show the direct relationship between smoking and weaker bones, regardless of age and gender.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone condition that makes a sufferer more vulnerable to bone fractures. When you have osteoporosis, you may not be able to perform certain tasks and other strenuous activities for fear of getting a bone fracture. This is a very serious disease because a significant percentage of old people with osteoporosis that get major bone fracture end up dead within a year or so, usually because of complications.

The Link Between Smoking And Weak Bones

It has been known for years that smoking can truly weaken bones of old people. Previous studies have shown that this habit is really one of the reasons for the male gender's bone degeneration. However, the connection between low bone density and smoking in adolescents has not been proven, at least not until now.

A recent study conducted by Swedish-based Gothenburg Osteoporosis and Obesity Determinants has found that even the bone density of teens can be affected by first-hand smoke. Based on a test conducted on over 1,000 Swedish men aged 18 to 20, the bone density, particularly in the hip, spine and body, of smokers in the group were significantly lower than others who were non-smokers. According to the same study, mineral density in the hip of smokers in the group was 5% lower than those who do not have the habit of smoking. It is important to note that just a 10% decline in bone density already increases a person's risk of getting bone fracture twice.

Second Hand Smoke Can Weaken Bones Too

Another research that confirms the relationship of smoking and osteoporosis was done in China by the Harvard School of Public Health. This is the first examination on the role of second hand smoke in the development of osteoporosis or the declining bone density levels.

About 14,000 women and men in China participated in the study. Since hip fracture is one of the leading causes of bone-related mortality and morbidity not just in China but the rest of the world as well, the proponents of the study analyzed the mineral density of the hipbone of the participants. Results of the study confirmed that premenopausal women who were exposed to second hand smoke were three times more likely to develop osteoporosis and 2.6 times more at risk at obtaining non-spine fracture in the future than women who were not smokers or exposed to second hand smoke.

Since both studies have confirmed that smoking directly affects bone density of both men and women, it is safe to say that if you do not want to increase your risk of developing osteoporosis in the future, it is best to quit smoking now. Another way of preventing the development of osteoporosis is by taking supplements that will help strengthen your bones.