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On June 20, 2024, UnitedHealth Group issued a press release offering an update on the Change Healthcare cybersecurity incident that occurred on Feb. 21, 2024. While the investigation to determine whose data is impacted is not yet complete, UnitedHealth Group has started the process to notify impacted customers and shared a website that provides additional information. UnitedHealth Group continues to offer credit monitoring and identity protection services, as well as a dedicated contact center to address questions. You can learn more about the support resources by visiting Change Healthcare Cyberattack Support and/or by reaching out to the contact center at 1-866-262-5342 with any questions. 

What is Osteoporosis?

Date: 05/27/24

Osteoporosis is a disease which causes your bones to weaken and become breakable (fracture). Osteoporosis is often known as a ‘silent disease’ because you may not have any symptoms. You may not know you have the disease until you break a bone. This happens when the body is unable to make new bone tissue fast enough to replace old bone tissue that is lost. This can make your bone become weak. The most common parts of your body where osteoporosis can cause a broken bone is the hip bones, the back (spine), and the wrist.

With osteoporosis, you typically do not have any symptoms until you have a broken bone or the vertebrae in your back (spine) begin to collapse. Symptoms of a broken vertebrae may include severe pain in your back, loss of height, or you have a hunched over appearance to your posture. Sometimes bones will break easily as a result of a minor fall or due to normal stress that may occur with bending, lifting, or even coughing.

You can take steps to help prevent osteoporosis and broken bones.

Try doing weight-bearing exercises or lifting weights. Eat a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, do not smoke, and take your medications, if prescribed. Other steps you can take to keep yourself safe include keeping your floors free of clutter, wear nonslip shoes, be careful of while walking on icy, wet, or polished surfaces.

Osteoporosis can affect both women and men of all races and ethnic groups. It can occur at any age, but you are at greater risk as you get older. For women, this can begin to develop a year or two before menopause.

Factors that may put you at risk of developing osteoporosis include:

  • Women are at greater risk and men over 70 are still at risk
  • As you age, bones can become weaker 
  • Slender, thin-boned women and men 
  • White and Asian women are at the highest risk 
  • A family history of your parents having osteoporosis or hip fracture 
  • Low levels of certain hormones can increase your risk of osteoporosis 
  • Not having enough calcium, vitamin D, and protein in your diet 
  • Other medical conditions 
  • Certain medications used over a long period of time 
  • Not getting enough exercise or being inactive, heavy drinking of alcohol, and smoking can cause bone loss