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It CAN Happen to You
The truth about osteoporosis risk
by Michelle Gibeault Traub, R.D.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation Symposium in Washington, D.C. is a meeting of the country’s foremost experts in bone health. As a representative of Adora Calcium, I was lucky enough to attend this symposium and hear firsthand what health professionals think of our innovative calcium supplement. The reviews were extremely positive, as many of the doctors and nurses in attendance commented on how difficult it is to get patients to get enough calcium. It seemed that a great tasting calcium supplement in real chocolate could encourage people to remember their calcium every day.
The Bad News
Despite such a great response, I couldn’t help but feel disheartened about the grim statistics on osteoporosis. The truth is an estimated 44 million people are at risk of developing the weak, brittle bones of osteoporosis. 1 Regardless, health care providers report that patients don’t believe the disease can really happen to them. Worse still, most people don’t understand that you can actually die from osteoporosis. It isn’t a quick death like a heart attack, but when bones weaken from osteoporosis they can break very easily, sometimes upon a minor fall, other times they break first and then the victim falls; either way the outcome is generally grim. In fact, 24% of patients over age 50 die within a year after breaking a hip. 1 In addition, those who survive a broken bone from osteoporosis frequently require nursing home care and have a greatly reduced quality of life.
Prevention is Easy
There is great news though. Unlike many other diseases, osteoporosis is easily prevented. The key to prevention is starting as early as possible when bones are forming during childhood and adolescence, and then continuing to be thoughtful of your bones throughout adulthood. There are many ways to improve bone health including:
- Getting the recommended amount of calcium and vitamin D daily through dairy foods, leafy greens, and supplements like Adora Calcium.
- Participating in activities that work your bones (weight-bearing exercises such as walking, dancing, jumping rope, and even standing help).
- Avoiding smoking and drinking excess alcohol since both take calcium from bones.
- Cutting back on sodium and cola-drinks, which also may take calcium from the bones.
- Having a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test, particularly if you are over the age of 65. Free Bone Density tests are often offered at health fairs or through many local community agencies. Take advantage of these valuable tests.
- Discussing your bone health risks with your health care provider.
- Talking with your family and friends about the importance of bone health.
Spread the Word
That last point is very important in preventing osteoporosis not only in yourself, but also in the people you care about. By sharing what you know about keeping bones healthy you can help lower the rate of osteoporosis. Tell your friends and family about this newsletter (www.WomensCircleofHealth.com) or let them know about the many other Bone Health Resources available. But, most importantly, remind yourself that osteoporosis, although a silent disease CAN happen to you.
References
- Fast Facts. National Osteoporosis Foundation. retrieved 4/24/07 http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/diseasefacts.htm
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Published by circle of health (formerly nw | health and bone)
Copyright © 2007 Thompson Brands. All rights reserved.
circle of health does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. circle of health compiles information from a variety of public sources to provide individuals with the tools to actively and naturally promote bone health and other related women's health issues. We encourage the broad use of the web to provide additional information. Consult your physician or other health professional in regard to specific medical conditions. |
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