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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.

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.

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.

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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.

Partnership with Best Bones Forever!

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!

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Other projects/organizations we have volunteered for throughout the years.