It’s never too early to fight against osteoporosis.
| Health tips: Maintaining bone density | | | Dear Reader,
Healthy bones continuously break down and rebuild at the cellular level. As you age your bones break down faster. For women, this is especially true after menopause. When bone rebuilding can’t keep pace with breakdown, bones deteriorate and become weaker. This leads to osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis treatments aim to slow or stop this process, allowing you to maintain and strengthen your bones, decreasing your risk of fracture.
The only way to diagnose osteoporosis is with a bone density test, which measures the amount of calcium in your hips and spine. Experts recommend that women have an initial bone density test at age 65, although factors that put you at a higher risk of a fracture may warrant an earlier screening. These risk factors include: Cigarette smoking or excess alcohol consumption Long-term use of steroid medication such as prednisone Low body weight Rheumatoid arthritis A personal or family history of low-trauma bone fractures, particularly hip fractures Chronic medical conditions linked to early menopause of chronic liver disease | Regardless of the results of your bone density test, there are measures that you can take in your daily life – such as focusing on your diet and exercise habits – that can keep your bones healthy. But if you are at increased or high risk, a medication may be recommended.
Lifestyle choices for strong bones Exercise – Weight-bearing physical activity such as walking and moderate aerobic exercises can strengthen bones and reduce risk of fracture. Muscle-strengthening exercises can help as well. Aim to exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Ask your doctor whether any precautions are recommended, especially if you’re at increased risk of fracture. Eat well – Eat a balanced diet and make certain you’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D from the food you eat. Don’t smoke – Smoking speeds up bone loss. Limit alcohol – Should you choose to drink, do so in moderation. It’s never too early to fight back against osteoporosis or too late to stop the condition in its tracks. Whether you’re trying to prevent osteoporosis or you need to treat it, the goal is the same: You want to maintain your bone health to ensure a low risk of fracture.
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| Take action against osteoporosis | | Before a bad fall or fracture renders you immobile, learn how to reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis, manage your day-to-day symptoms, and even treat the disease. | | Get this resource |
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