Inside Sally Field’s 20-Year Health Battle — After Surprise Diagnosis Left Her Wondering ‘How Could This Be Happening?’
Sally Field was not expecting to be diagnosed with osteoporosis in her late 50s, but she’s gone on to use her platform to raise awareness about the illness.
One day before the award-winning Hollywood star’s 80th birthday, RadarOnline.com revisits her battle with the bone disease.
What Is Osteoporosis?
The Mrs. Doubtfire actress, 79, was first told that she had osteoporosis in 2005.
According to the Mayo Clinic, osteoporosis occurs when “creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the loss of old bone” and causes bones to “become weak and brittle” to the point that, in certain circumstances, even mild or moderate activity can risk breaks.
Common injury spots include the “hip, wrist or spine.”
Osteoporosis is also often called the “silent disease,” as there are not always immediate, clear symptoms.
‘How Could This Be Happening?’
When Field was given the surprising diagnosis, she recalled thinking, “How could this be happening?”
“I was always exercising, never smoked, and took calcium supplements,” she explained in a 2019 interview. “I believed I was doing everything possible to ward off osteoporosis, but I learned many genetic conditions are impossible to stave off, no matter how healthy you are.”
