Health Tips
Tips & Information About Osteoporosis
By
Jun 23, 2008 - 2:00:31 PM

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Brooklyn, NY Approximately ten million Americans suffer from osteoporosis, a disease that thins and weakens bones to the point where they easily fracture. While it is commonly considered a “women’s health issue,” more and more men now suffer from the disease. But despite the growing number of people affected by osteoporosis, many still don’t know even the basic facts about it and how to prevent it.

According to John Sabulis, Director of Rehabilitation of VNR Home Care Services (VNR), one of the oldest and most respected home health care agencies in New York, osteoporosis can be prevented with the proper precautions. Sabulis also advises that the disease can be managed by taking steps to prevent severe injuries often associated with it.

“Osteoporosis is a disease that immobilizes so many members of our community and requires them to seek home health care treatment that, in many cases, could be minimized or eliminated entirely with the proper precautions and education,” said Sabulis. “However, each case is different and it is important to check with a doctor for the most appropriate treatment and preventative measures.”

VNR has compiled the following information to help both men and women better understand osteoporosis, the ways to prevent it, treatments, and steps to reduce the risk of injury if they have the disease:

How Does Osteoporosis Occur?

In healthy adults, bones reach their greatest strength at the ages of 20 to 25. After that, bones slowly weaken, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. The disease is more prevalent in women because, at a certain age, a woman’s body stops producing estrogen – a steroid hormone that helps bones remain strong.

As the bones weaken, the chance of bone fractures and breaks increases. Most common fractures occur in the hip, spine and wrist.

Who is at Greatest Risk?

Osteoporosis is most common in Caucasian and Asian women, but it can occur in women and men of any race. While most osteoporosis patients are seniors, family history, lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of calcium in a diet and lack of exercise are also contributing factors.

Additionally, long-term use of certain medications like steroids to treat asthma, thyroid medication, and some cancer treatments can increase the chances of bone deterioration.

What are Steps to Prevent Osteoporosis?

Eat healthy foods, especially low-fat milk and dairy products, green leafy vegetables, sardines and shellfish
Take a daily calcium supplement with Vitamin D
Make weight bearing activity part of your day
Stop smoking
Don’t have more than one alcoholic drink a day
Have a regular bone density test

What are the Treatments for Osteoporosis?

Treatment doesn’t cure osteoporosis but it can slow down the loss of bone and rebuild bone mass. Treatments may include increasing calcium intake, or doing weight-bearing exercise. There are also several medications that slow bone loss and help reduce fractures as well as hormone replacement therapy. The method and the intensity of treatments should be discussed with a doctor.

What Can You Do to Reduce the Risk of Injury if You Have Osteoporosis?

There are certain precautions a individual suffering from osteoporosis should take in order to prevent severe injuries.

They are:
Avoid lifting heavy objects
Exercise, but do it gradually
Wear shoes that provide good support or, if needed, use a cane
Keep walkways well lit and uncluttered to prevent falls
Do not use throw-rugs at home
Take extra precautions when walking outdoors in rainy or icy conditions

VNR Home Care Service is New York State’s third-largest and oldest home care agency, serving 15,000 people in New York City’s five boroughs and Westchester County and providing 1.5 million hours annually of comprehensive home care. The organization serves the ill and disabled, from premature infants to the elderly. To learn more about VNR and its services, visit www.vnrhcs.org.

www.HealthNewsDigest.com

© Copyright by HealthNewsDigest.com