October 06, 2002

By: Laurie Simpson
Website: http://www.1st-in-wellness.com

Osteoporosis can weaken us to the bone

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As we age, our bones undergo changes and some of us may be affected by osteoporosis. This is a disease that causes the bones to become very fragile and brittle. It can often progress undetected in people until they break a bone. It does not usually cause any noticeable pain as the bones deteriorate. These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist. Any bone can be affected by osteoporosis, but very common are fractures of the hip and spine. A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery. It can impair a person's ability to walk without aids and may cause prolonged or permanent disability or even death. Spinal or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity.

Women seem to incur osteoporosis four times more frequently than men do. It is a largely preventable disease and prevention should be a concern for us. Once we have developed the disease we need to try and ensure it does not progress any further. It can be prevented but it cannot be cured. Preventing it can become a normal part of your daily routine. The older you get, the more difficult it is to heal bones. There are four steps to prevention.

The first step is a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Then comes weight-bearing exercise to keep the bones strong. Third is a healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive use of alcohol. And lastly is bone density testing and medication or supplements when appropriate. Taking these steps will help keep osteoporosis at bay.

Author Notes:

Laurie Simpson contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-wellness.com.  Obtaining and keeping good health through healthy living, natural healing, great mental health and healthy finances.