Healthy Bones for Healthy Lifestyles
According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis causes 8.9 million fractures annually, resulting in an osteoporosis fracture every 3 seconds! Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become brittle because the creation of new bone doesn’t happen as quickly as bone loss. Bone loss can start around age 35.
RISK FACTORS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS
- Gender: women are 4 times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men
- Age: after age 50, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will have an osteoporosis fracture
- Race: Caucasian and Asian women are more likely to develop osteoporosis
- Family history: if parents or grandparents suffered a fracture due to fall, an individual has a greater chance
- Body frame size: petite and thin people have less bone to lose
- Hormones: decreased estrogen and testosterone levels and increased thyroid levels are linked to bone loss
- Diet: diets that are low in calcium and vitamin D. Also, eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia can cause bone deficiency
- Steroids and other medication
- Medical conditions
- Lifestyle: low calcium, eating disorders, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, sedentary lifestyle
SYMPTOMS OF OSTEOPOROSIS:
There are no actual symptoms of osteoporosis, but one should be aware of any change in height or posture, back pain, shortness of breath, and fractures.
TIPS FOR HOME
- Diet: increase protein, calcium, and vitamin D intake
- Maintain healthy body weight
- Weight bearing exercises
HOW CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP?
Your physical therapist will evaluate you and give you an individualized program of appropriate exercises to help improve your posture, strength, balance, and flexibility.
