Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease and is often discovered only after a bone fracture or break occurs.
What is Osteoporosis?
Your body is constantly replacing bone and the older you are the slower the bone is replaced. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that happens when the body loses too much bone or makes too little bone. Bones become weak and those with the condition can break bones from a fall. The disease is a common and serious bone disease.
Do I have Osteoporosis?
You cannot feel your bones weaken over time so consulting your doctor is the best way to determine if you have Osteoporosis. You may have bone loss if you have had other major medical conditions such as Arthritis, Cancer, Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Diabetes or Scoliosis. The disease can be determined by a painless x-ray measuring your bone density. Symptoms can include a loss in height and curvature of the spine.
Reducing the Risk of Having Osteoporosis
- Weightlifting, exercise and activities that promote balance and good posture are beneficial such as walking, running, jumping and dancing.
- Avoid excessive alcohol and avoid tobacco use completely.
- Avoid potential falls by installing grab bars in high risk places such as a shower.
- Consuming calcium either in food or supplements can be very beneficial. Do not take supplements of more than 2,000 milligrams daily for those over 50 as too much calcium is linked to heart problems and kidney stones.
- Take Vitamin D as it helps your body to absorb calcium.
Treating Osteoporosis
Although the disease cannot be cured, it can be treated in many ways. Treatments can be as simple as a lifestyle and diet change up to taking medications which may include hormone-related therapy. Early detection of Osteoporosis may reduce bone loss.