That osteoporosis is a "woman's disease'' is no more true than the belief that it can be cured.

While this pervasive bone-loss disease affects far more women than men -- and blonde, slim ones at that -- it is not exclusive to the female sex.

"Statistically, the ratio is four women to every one male getting osteoporosis,'' physiotherapist Miss Frances Copeland said. "And an elderly person is 70 percent more likely to have osteoporosis than a young person.'' Unfortunately, this disease is not detected or recognised until it is too late.

"It is usually picked up when someone suffers a wrist, hip or vertebra fracture,'' Miss Copeland explained. "When an elderly person suffering from back pain is X-rayed and they find a fractured vertebra, that's it -- they are osteoporotic.'' There is, however, a pre-osteoporosis condition known as osteopenia. Since it produces no symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose without having a bone density test.

Along with all the other misperceptions, the layman thinks of bone as constant and unchanging.

"People think bone is like a piece of wood, and doesn't change,'' Miss Copeland said, "but bone is a living thing which has a cyclical, regenerative process that takes about four months to complete. Bone builds up, hardens, and breaks down, and that applies to all people of all ages.'' The physiotherapist said human bone density reaches its peak between age 25 and 40. After 45, it starts losing its density. For this reason, people must take care of themselves while they are young.

"It is really important then to be aware of nutrition, posture and exercise,'' Miss Copeland stressed. "Once you start losing bone density and fit the known risk factors for osteoporosis (see below), even with all the supplements, such as increased calcium with vitamin D, fluoride and hormone replacement, the most you will do -- perhaps -- is slow down the loss of density.

"Osteoporosis is the end stage of the loss of bone density, not the beginning. The end is when you start having the fractures.'' There are over 30 categories of men and women of all ages who are considered "at risk'' of developing osteoporosis, of which the following are some: Cigarette smokers; Heavy users of alcohol; Users of a variety of drugs, such as steroids; Fair and slim women; Female runners, ballet dancers, and other endurance athletes; Male marathoners who fail to consume sufficient calories; Teenagers on junk food diets; Young people with eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa; People who are allergic to dairy products; Post-menopausal women; All men and women over age 65.

Miss Copeland explained that alcohol reduced bone formation, while smoking reduced the level of oestrogen in women.

Facts on osteoporosis "Women with lower oestrogen levels, especially those who are post-menopausal or over 50, are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis,'' she said.

Similarly, the physiotherapist said young people who avoided milk, cheese and other dairy products in their diet would be prevented from reaching their bone mass peak within the crucial age range of 25-40.

In addition, Miss Copeland said people on high-salt diets, and those who use laxatives to expel waste from the body more quickly increased their risk of developing osteoporosis.

She noted that consuming large quantities of calcium, whether in dairy product or medicinal form, later in life would do nothing to prevent osteoporosis.

"Calcium must be absorbable, which means it must be taken with an adjunct, such as vitamin D,'' Miss Copeland explained. (See recommendations below).

To reduce everyone's risk of osteoporosis, the physiotherapist said people must be aware of the following throughout life, beginning in their teenage years: Nutritional needs; The importance of exercise; Post-menopausal women should also be aware of hormone therapy and medical advances which can help them.

Miss Copeland recommended taking the following preventive measures from the teenage years onward: Do regular "bone-loading'' (i.e. weight-bearing) exercises, such as walking, to benefit the lower body, and light, weight-resistance exercises to benefit the upper body; Practice posture training; Supplementing one's calcium intake by ingesting a combination of soluble calcium and vitamin D. (Consult a physician about specifics).

Miss Copeland said carrying weights in the hands while walking, or using spring devices -- "anything where you have to use your arms against resistance'' -- for weight-resistance exercises were appropriate.

"But remember, you have to be realistic,'' she warned. "Do these exercises within your capabilities. If in doubt, ask somebody who knows, such as your doctor or a physiotherapist.'' STRAIGHTEN UP GIRL -- As a female, she id prince candidate for osteoporosis late in life. Although she's young now, years of poor posture, inadequate nutrition and insufficient exercises can complicate its severity.