subject: How can I prevent Osteoporosis? [print this page] How can I prevent Osteoporosis? How can I prevent Osteoporosis?
Low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue is a side-effect of osteoporosis and affects over 2 million Canadians, including one in every four women over 50. This bone disease, also known as the "silent thief," often occurs with no symptoms.
Those with osteoporosis have increased bone fragility and can be prone to fractured hips, spines, and wrists. Eighty percent of hip fractures are related to osteoporosis, 20% of those cases are fatal, and of those who survive, 50% are left with disability.
So if osteoporosis really is "silent," then how is it diagnosed? Bone loss happens slowly over time and you usually won't experience any symptoms until a bone fractures, and by then it is already in an advanced stage.
Osteoporosis is more common in the elderly over 65, and further risk factors include: significant fractures or traumas (especially over 40 years of age), family medical history, other medical conditions that inhibit nutrient absorption, early menopause, primary hyperparathyroidism, and hypogonadism. Other secondary or minor risk factors include rheumatoid arthritis, prolonged use of anticonvulsants or heparin, body weight under 57kg, low calcium intake, excess caffeine or alcohol, and smoking.
To test for osteoporosis, or to assess your future risk, a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test is performed. You should have this test performed if you are over 65, your doctor thinks you may be at risk, you have lost two or more centimetres in height over one year, or you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis. To explain how the BMD test works, think about how light shines through a curtain. The thicker the curtain, the less light will pass through. Similarly, a BMD test measures how much "light" (or in this case, Xrays) passes through your bones and uses that to determine your bone density, or in other words, how thick or thin your bones are.
There are a variety of drugs available to fight and help prevent osteoporosis. These drugs can be expensive, but check their prices from an Online Canadian pharmacy as they carry many generic versions of brand-name drugs at cheaper prices than in brick-and-mortar pharmacies. In addition to drug therapies, sure you're getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet.
A healthy lifestyle and, when necessary, doctor prescribed drug therapies, can help prevent or combat bone loss and osteoporosis.
