Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become very porous, break easily, and heal slowly. Breaks usually occur in the hip, spine and wrist. Although it more common affects women, men can get it too. It is estimated that 1 out of every 4 women and 1 in 8 men over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture. To give you so idea of how many are at risk in Canada today, a baby boomer turns 50 every seven seconds!
What causes Osteoporosis?
Although not all reasons have been identified, osteoporosis's damaging affects are due to your body breaking down bone faster than it is making new bone. Bone is a constantly changing tissue in our body. Although we reach peak bone mass in our 20s, our bones continue to change in response to different stresses we place upon them. Starts in our 30s, we start losing bone density. This generally accelerates significantly when women reach menopause, and when men hit their 50s.
Major risk factors
Factors that drive the loss of bone mass include being a postmenopausal female or in early the early stages of menopause; having a family history of osteoporosis; being of caucasion or asian background; having a thin/small frame; use of steroid medications; an inactive lifestyle; low calcium intake; cigarette smoking; and consuming excess caffeine and alcohol.
How do you know if you have OP or at risk of fracture?
Speak with your medical doctor, especially if you have more than two major risk factors. A doctor will generally refer you for a bone mineral density test, if required.
What can you do now to prevent or treat this disabling disease?
- Make sure you are getting a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
- Make sure you get 1,000 to 1,500 mg of calcium from your daily diet.
- If you do get the proper amount of calcium from your diet, consider taking a calcium supplement.
- Exercise. The most beneficial types of exercise are walking, running, hiking and dancing.
- Strength training, using free weights or machines, is also beneficial. This strengthens both the muscle being worked and the bone it is attached to.
If you already have osteoporosis, there are a variety of medications available. Talk to your family doctor about the benefits and the risks associated with each.
There are also many alternative medicine options available. Speak to your family doctor, naturopathic doctor or pharmacist about progesterone cream, and phyto-estrogens such as soy isoflavones and black cohosh. All of these natural supplements have been shown to increase bone mass and decrease some of those nasty menopausal symptoms.
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