Fractures, commonly known as broken bones, occur when the stress placed on a bone exceeds its strength. It’s a highly likely event as most individuals will experience at least one fracture in a lifetime.
However, the likelihood of experiencing frequent fractures also depends on various factors from genetics to lifestyle. Knowing your chances of fracturing can help you take appropriate precautions and prevent any injuries that could lead to fractures. You can determine your chances of fracturing by taking this simple test.
Fracture risk factors
Before taking the test, it’s essential to understand the common factors that can increase your risk of fracturing. The following are the factors that can increase your chances of experiencing frequent fractures:.
- Age – as you get older, your bones become weaker and prone to fractures
- Gender – women are more likely to experience fractures than men due to lower bone density and hormonal changes
- Genetics – genetic factors may contribute to your predisposition to bone diseases like osteoporosis and fractures
- Medical conditions – conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, and cancer can weaken bones, increasing the likelihood of fractures
- Lifestyle factors – smoking, excessive alcohol intake, poor diet, and lack of physical activity can lead to weaker bones and increase the risk of fractures
The fracture risk test
The fracture risk test comprises ten questions that assess several factors that can influence your risk of fractures. Answer each question honestly and add up your score at the end to determine your risk of fracturing.
Question 1: How old are you?
– Under 40: 0 points
– 40-50 years: 1 point
– Above 50: 2 points.
Question 2: What is your gender?
– Male: 0 points
– Female: 1 point.
Question 3: Have any of your parents or siblings experienced fractures?
– No: 0 points
– Yes: 1 point.
Question 4: Have you ever fractured before the age of 25?
– No: 0 points
– Yes: 1 point.
Question 5: Do you frequently engage in activities that entail jumping or running?
– No: 0 points
– Yes: 1 point.
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Question 6: Are you a smoker?
– No: 0 points
– Yes: 1 point.
Question 7: Do you consume alcohol?
– No: 0 points
– Yes: 1 point.
Question 8: How often do you exercise?
– Rarely: 1 point
– Occasionally: 0 points
– Regularly: 0 points.
Question 9: Do you consume dairy products?
– No: 1 point
– Yes: 0 points.
Question 10: How would you rate your overall health?
– Poor: 1 point
– Good: 0 points
– Excellent: 0 points.
Results
After answering the ten questions, add up your score to determine your likelihood of fracturing.
– 0-2 points: Low risk of fracturing
– 3-5 points: Moderate risk of fracturing
– 6-10 points: High risk of fracturing.
Conclusion
By taking the fracture risk test, you can identify your chances of fracturing and take appropriate measures to prevent fractures.
If you have a high risk of fracturing, you can adopt healthy lifestyle habits, eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, quit smoking, and exercise regularly to keep your bones strong and healthy.
