| Osteoporosis | |
|
Osteoporosis is a very common condition in women where bone becomes less dense and the outside walls becomes thinner, which greatly weakens bone. At about age 30, bone begins to degenerate faster than it can be reformed. This process continues for the remainder of one’s life and is normal; however, too much bone loss can result in osteoporosis. Women are especially at risk due to the decrease in estrogen levels brought on by menopause (estrogen is a woman’s main defense against bone loss), and also because they have smaller and lighter bones than men. Symptoms of osteoporosis include back pain, loss of height, and curving of the spine. Osteoporosis is dangerous because it makes it easier to break bones. An elderly person with osteoporosis is much more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries if they were to fall compared to someone without the disease. Risk Factors for Osteoporosis · Menopause · Lifelong diet low in calcium · Opherectomy (removal of ovaries) · Family history of fracture or falls · Lack of exercise · Low body weight · Dementia · Alcohol and tobacco use · Vision problems · Poor general health
So How can you Combat Osteoporosis? Vitamins Osteoporosis can be avoided by ingesting the right amounts of calcium and Vitamin D during your reproductive years. It is especially important that you are getting sufficient amounts of these vitamins during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Exercise Exercise is another way to protect yourself from osteoporosis. Exercise increases bone mass, and loss of bone mass occurs if you live a sedentary lifestyle. To help prevent bone loss, your exercise should include weight-bearing exercises. Examples include step aerobics, brisk walking, and tennis. If you have questions about what exercises would work best for you, it would be wise to consult your provider. Also, it is never too late too start exercising. Diet By keeping a diet with high levels of calcium, you can help prevent osteoporosis-related bone loss. Foods rich in calcium include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, nuts, seafood, and juices. Many women do not get their required daily value of calcium, so many take a calcium supplement. Women ages 18-50 require 1,000 mg of calcium per day, while women age 50+ require 1,500 mg per day. Be aware that calcium can only be absorbed by your body in 750 mg increments, meaning it would be wise to take calcium in the morning and at night Detection and Treatment Osteoporosis is detected by conducting bone density tests. The tests can detect whether you have osteoporosis, the rate your bone is degenerating, and your risk of fracturing a bone in the future. These tests can be completed at your yearly physical exam and are HIGHLY recommended for women over age 65. There are many ways to treat osteoporosis and reduce the risk of bone fracture. Hormone replacement therapy helps to slow bone loss. For those who prefer not to or cannot undergo hormone replacement therapy, drugs known as selective estrogen receptor modulators could be a substitute. There are also medications available that work to slow bone loss. You could ask your provider about these medications if you have questions. |
|
