THE MISCONCEPTION
Most of the people believe that osteoporosis is a disease of women only. Also, many believe that it is a disease of the elderly.
THE FACT
-Osteoporosis affects both men and women.
-Osteoporosis can strike at any age.
-Women and men equally begin to lose bone mass in their mid-30s, after menopause women have faster bone loss.
WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?
Bone is composed of tissue and mineral. In osteoporosis, there is loss of both mineral and tissue. Osteoporosis weakens the bone and results in frequent fractures (breaks) in the bones.
For adequate bone health, it is important to eat a diet rich in nutrients that help in building and maintaining healthy bones.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS IN MEN?
While the exact cause is not known, here are the risk factors:
Age: Although it can occur at any age, the risk increases with advancing age.
Medicines: Certain medications (heparin, anti-seizure medications, cancer medications and long-term use of oral steroids) increase risk of osteoporosis
Hypogonadism: This is a condition where testosterone, the male sex hormone hits very low levels. It can be hereditary or induced by medicines.
A Sedentary Life: If you don’t work them, you may end up losing them. This holds great truth in the context of bones.
Smoking And Alcohol Consumption increase the risk of osteoporosis
Calcium and Vitamin D Deficiency
Diabetes
ARE THERE ANY SYMPTOMS?
-There are no symptoms in early stages.
-Once bones are weakened, symptoms include:backache, loss of height over time, stooped posture, bone fracture that occurs easily.
-Most common fracture sites are wrist, spine, shoulder and hips.
HOW IS OSTEOPOROSIS DETECTED?
Osteoporosis is detected by:
Bone mineral density scan (X ray) called DEXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan.
Blood tests: serum Vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and testosterone levels.
HOW CAN OSTEOPOROSIS BE PREVENTED?
1 . Building strong bones (bone mass)is the best defense against osteoporosis
2 . All adults need 1000-1200 mg of Calcium on a daily basis.
3 . Encourage children to drink milk and play in the sun to ensure adequate calcium, vitamin D synthesis and exercise.
4 . Take diet rich in protein and calcium along with calcium supplements.
5 . Spend 10-15 minutes in sun every day to help body produce Vitamin D.
6 . Vitamin D is found in eggs, milk and oily fish.
7 . Exercise daily (30 minutes) to strengthen bones. Even those with osteoporosis can benefit by regular exercise. Strength training exercises help in increasing bone mass.
8 . Take stairs to strengthen bones and improve bone mass.
9 . Give Up Smoking And Limit Drinking.
10 . Attend To Injuries With Urgency.
So, make sure that you exercise regularly, spend time in the sun and have a diet rich in calcium and protein to strengthen your bones and prevent osteoporosis. Stay Healthy, Stay Happy with 1mg, a leading online pharmacy in India!