Living Well with BCHC; Be Proactive About Your Bone Health
Osteoporosis is an age-related disorder of progressive bone loss. Often called a silent disease, the condition usually develops slowly over time with no symptoms or discomfort. Bones gradually become more porous and less able to support the body. Most people are not diagnosed with osteoporosis until they have already lost a significant amount of bone strength, or until a fracture occurs. The more common sites for fractures are the hips, wrist, ribs and spine, although the disease can affect any bone in the body.
Are you at risk? Certain individuals are more likely to develop osteoporosis than others. The following factors increase your likelihood of developing the condition:
- Fair skin
- Thin or small frame
- Advanced age
- Female
- Calcium and vitamin D deficiency
- Lack of exercise
- Abnormal absence of menstrual periods
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Cigarette smoking
- Menopause
- Anorexia nervosa or bulimia
- Family history of osteoporosis
Be proactive and do your best to prevent the onset of osteoporosis. There are simple steps you can take for good bone health. These include:
- Do weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones on a regular basis.
- Consume a healthy diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other important nutrients.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Get the facts. Talk to your doctor about bone health. Request a bone density test and take medication if necessary.
Buchanan County Health Center
319 – 332 – 0850
www.bchealth.org