subject: What is Osteoporosis? [print this page] What is Osteoporosis? What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis, meaning literally porous bones, is often referred to as the 'silent disease' because the bone loss is gradual and usually occurs without visible symptoms until the disease is advanced. Often the first time many sufferers discover they have it is when they experience a fracture. Fractures are a common consequence of the bones becoming weaker.
Adequate calcium intake helps to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. As the bones become weaker, fractures may occur simply under the burden of supporting the body. Even minor falls can cause serious fracture, especially to the spine, hip or wrist. Fractures of the spinal vertebrae may result in persistent back pain, curvature of the spine and loss of height.
Prevalence It is more common than you might think In Australia, 1 in 3 women over 45 years will develop Osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a major cause of disability in Australia.6 It is a serious disease that currently affects 2.2 million Australians, that number is expected to increase to 3 million by 2021.
Currently someone is admitted to hospital every 5-6 minutes with an osteoporotic fracture. The number of hip fractures sustained each year is projected to increase by 15% every 5 years until 2026. The increasing prevalence of osteoporosis is linked to Australia's ageing population.
Prevention of Osteoporosis There are various measures that can be taken to treat osteoporosis; however the best approach is to prevent it from occurring.
Steps to prevent osteoporosis include:
Adequate daily calcium intake
Adequate vitamin D through diet, supplementation or exposure to sunlight
Maintain a healthy body weight
Management of Osteoporosis
The ultimate goal in managing osteoporosis is to prevent fractures. To achieve this bone loss needs to be halted or slowed. In some instances bones have also been strengthened. This is usually achieved by combining medications with lifestyle and nutrition measures.
If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, it is likely that your doctor will recommend the following: 1. Lifestyle changes which may include:
Increasing your calcium intake through your daily diet or supplements
Increasing the amount of exercise each week. If you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis any exercise program should be evaluated for safety by your doctor before you begin.
Quitting smoking.
Decreasing your alcohol intake.
Increasing your exposure to limited sunlight to correct any vitamin D deficiencies or with supplementation.
2. Medication to stop further bone loss and help prevent fractures.
3. Fall prevention measures that will hopefully result in a reduction in falls that lead to bone fractures.
To learn more about osteoporosis risks and prevention, visit www.caltrate.com.au
