Unfortunately, we are all at risk for developing osteoporosis. Why? Osteoporosis occurs because of the lack of calcium and vitamin D; sedentary lifestyles; and age. If you are at risk for developing osteoporosis, here are some suggestions which can help you prevent the onset of this disease.
It is estimated that over 28 million people are affected by this disease, and well over 200 million already have the disease in some form or other. According to experts, the way to prevent osteoporosis is to first have a bone density test in your early adult years. Moreover, exercise is as important as taking calcium and vitamin D on a daily basis.
For those of us who are older, walking, strength exercises, and other activities which are necessary to prevent falls and possibly fractures is important. Unfortunately, osteoporosis is genetically inherited.
While it is suggested that bone density tests are taken at an early age, for those of us who are older; it is highly recommended that this test be taken now, so that it can be determined if we are at risk. Certainly, there are many drugs available which one can take to prevent the affects of this disease; but in lieu of drugs, a daily regimen of calcium – 1200 mg. a day is preferred, along with a healthy diet and exercise program. In addition, there are plenty of foods available which are rich in calcium and which should also be part of your dietary regimen. Make an appointment for a bone density test so that you will know for certain if there is any loss of bone tissue or a predisposition to fractures.
It is important to do all you can to keep your bones healthy. The last thing you want is to be among the statistics listed above. Prevention is the key; and keeping up with the latest treatments will help you to keep osteoporosis, if you have it, at bay.
1 response so far ↓
1 Susan // May 25, 2007 at 1:10 pm
I would like to add a bit to this post. I have had two bone density tests, the first one in 2001 when I was 49, and the second in 2006, at age 54. The first one was normal, the second was not. I was diagnosed with Osteopenia, which is basically pre-osteoporosis, and was given a prescription for Actonel (one pill per week), and was told to take 1500 mg of calcium and 200 I.U. of vitamin D3 per day. It was explained to me that the vitamin D helped the body absorb the calcium, and that the calcium was to be taken 500 mg three times a day because that was all the body could absorb at one time. This is very important for anyone who is on a daily regimen of calcium and vitamin D. Of course, all of this should be explained by your physician.
I would also like to add that my mother lived to be 81 and was never diagnosed with any form of Osteoporosis.
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