What is Osteoporosis?

It is a disease of progressive bone loss associated with an increased risk of fractures. It  literally means “porous bone.”  The disease often develops unnoticed for many years with no symptoms or discomfort, until a fracture occurs. Osteoporosis often causes a loss of height and a severely rounded upper back.

Osteoporosis is a major health problem, affecting 25 million Americans and contributing to an estimated 1.3 million bone fractures per year. One in two women and one in five men over the age of 65 will sustain bone fractures due to osteoporosis. The most serious and  debilitating osteoporosis fracture is the hip fracture. Hip fractures are expensive, often
costing the patient over $35,000 per fracture. Osteoporosis can be treated if it is diagnosed early.

Tips for Healthy Bones –

¨ Get a baseline screening to see your Bone Density.

¨ Stop smoking and limit your alcohol consumption.

¨ Eat foods high in calcium: milk, yogurt, cheddar and other hard cheeses, broccoli, kale, collard greens and sardines with the bones.

¨ Read food labels: many foods have calcium added.

¨ Engage in weight-bearing and muscle strengthening exercises 3 times a week

¨ Use weights (as tolerated) when exercising to strengthen muscles.

¨ Do a home safety check to eliminate fall hazards.