What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a progressive disease that weakens bones, increasing the risk of fractures. Because of the morbid consequences of osteoporosis, the prevention of this disease and its associated fractures is considered essential to the maintenance of health, quality of life, and independence in the elderly population.
What causes osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is caused by hormonal changes at menopause. Estrogens have an important function in preserving bone mass in adulthood, and bone loss occurs as estrogen levels decline, usually from around the age of 50 years.
Who is at risk?
If you identify with any of the following risk factors, you are at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis:
- Woman
- Age 50+
- Asian or Caucasian
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits – alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine, no exercise
- Prior gastric surgery
- Low body weight
- Chronic disease
- Premature menopause
- Maternal family history of fractures
What are the symptoms?
- Spine, wrist and hip fractures
- Height loss
- Spinal deformities
Prevention and treatment
- Consume a diet rich in protein, calcium and vitamin D
- Stay active and exercise regularly to keep your bones strong and to keep a healthy weight.
- Limit alcohol consumption, caffeine and quit smoking.
Supplements, medication and surgery may be offered as a treatment from your health care provider.
Making healthy lifestyle choices is your best prevention against chronic diseases such as osteoporosis. Share this article with a woman you care about to remind them about the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices. A fit and healthy old-age starts today.