osteopenia
os-tee-uh-PEE-nee-uh
Definition
A condition characterized by lower than normal bone mineral density, which is often a precursor to the more severe bone loss condition known as osteoporosis.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'osteon' meaning bone and 'penia' meaning poverty or deficiency, this medical term was coined in the 20th century to describe bone density that is lower than peak levels but not yet low enough to be classified as osteoporosis.
In the news
In the article, doctors suggest that because athletes with intellectual disabilities may age faster, they might face osteopenia at an earlier age than non-disabled populations, underscoring the need for early health monitoring.
Innovation at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games 2026: Women’s Health and Bra Fitting
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