|
Osteoporosis is
preventable for most people.
Yet osteoporosis remains largely under-diagnosed,
and under-reported.
Prevention is critical because although
treatments exist for osteoporosis, there is no cure.
Osteoporosis occurs among men and women, although
more women are susceptible to osteoporosis.
Risk factors for
osteoporosis include:
- Low
levels of testosterone (a sex hormone)
- Chronic
diseases affecting the lungs, kidney, stomach, and
intestines that changes the hormone levels
- Excessive
exposure to certain steroid and anticonvulsant
medications, as well as certain cancer treatments
and aluminum-containing antacids
- Low
calcium intake
- Smoking
- Excessive
alcohol intake
- Inadequate
exercise
- Heredity
- Age
- Race.
White men appears to have the greatest risk
for osteoporosis
There are several
steps you can take to prevent osteoporosis:
- A
balanced diet rich in Calcium.
Calcium
helps the heart, nerves, and muscles to function
normally. Inadequate
calcium may contribute to developing osteoporosis.
Recommended calcium intake falls between
1000-1200mg a day.
A calcium supplement may be taken to make up for
the difference.
- A
balanced diet rich in vitamin D.
Vitamin
D is required for the body to absorb calcium.
Vitamin D can be obtained through the skin from
exposure of sunlight as well as from normal diet.
Recommended vitamin D intake falls between
400-800 IU a day.
- Weight-bearing
exercises.
Weight-bearing
exercises are important for healthy bone development.
These include jogging, walking, stair climbing,
and hiking. Always
check with your physician before starting any exercise
program.
- A
healthy lifestyle.
This
means avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake.
- Bone
density testing.
Early
detection is important since osteoporosis can developed
unnoticed for years. A Bone Mineral Density Test (BMD) is the only way to diagnose
osteoporosis as well as determining future risks. See your physician for more details.
provided by Dr. Karen Bates |
