MANILA, Philippines--With a rapidly aging Asian population, osteoporosis is becoming a very serious and growing threat in Asia, particularly because it is often underrecognized and undertreated disease in this region.

What exactly is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis, a condition that features loss of the normal bone density, is the culprit behind those curving spines and loss of height. At its advanced stage, the disease can lead to porous bones that fracture easily?the spine, hips, wrists and almost any other part of a person?s skeletal system.

Unlike these other diseases though, osteoporosis is highly preventable, by maintaining a healthy diet, adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D intake as well as moderate exercise throughout life, and reducing risk factors such as smoking and limiting your alcohol intake.

There is a serious lack of awareness about osteoporosis among both healthcare professionals and the public in most countries.

Since 2005, Anlene has been providing free ultrasound bone scans through the Anlene Bone Health Check across Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Indonesia to help educate people about the health of their bones.

But public awareness and education program can only go so far. Individuals must recognize the severity of the problem and make a conscious decision to make changes to their lifestyles. Only then can we create a world without osteoporotic fractures.