Ways to Prevent Osteoporosis

Too often we hear statistics about the prevalence of heart attacks, strokes and breast cancer; however, broken bones from osteoporosis are more common than all three combined. Twenty per cent of men and at least one in three women will experience osteoporosis during their lifetime. Osteoporosis can lead to significantly reduced mobility and independence, and can shorten life expectancy.

According to Dr. Famida Jiwa, Osteoporosis Canada president and CEO, a lot of people don’t understand that osteoporosis is not a normal part of aging and can be managed in order to prevent bones from breaking.

For a person with osteoporosis, even a minor fall like a slip and fall or fall from a seated position can cause a bone to break, leading to decreased independence and even death. Often, a broken bone is your first and only sign of osteoporosis, and a second break can be close behind if it is left untreated. Repeat broken bones are common: one in four women who break a vertebrae and one in three people who break a hip will have another break within one year. Both vertebrae and hip breaks are also associated with an increased risk of death.

If you are over the age of 55, be aware of your bones and take steps to keep them strong. This can be as simple as daily weight-bearing exercise such as dancing or brisk walking, and consuming at least 1,200 mg of calcium and 800 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day. For those at high risk of fracture, a number of medication options can help keep bones strong when taken regularly as prescribed by your doctor.

Check books on osteoporosis and online resource for more information, healthy lifestyle tips, and treatment options. Make your first break your last – take steps today to prevent breaking bones in the future.

Source: www.newscanada.com