Osteoporosis: Why Bone Health is Important

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, one in two women and one in four men age 50 and older will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to weak and brittle bones. Breaking a bone is serious, especially when you’re older, broken bones can cause severe pain that may not go away. Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans.

Certain people are more likely to develop osteoporosis than others. Factors that put you at risk and are difficult to change include:

a) Gender: Women have lighter, thinner bones than men. One in two women over age 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture.

b) Age: Osteoporosis can affect people of all ages, but it is far more common in older people than younger people. As we age, we lose bone density and some of us will lose more bone than others.

c) Family History: Heredity and genetics play a major role in osteoporosis and broken bones. If either of your parents had a history of broken bones, you are more likely to break a bone.

Lifestyle changes are your first line of defense to prevent osteoporosis. A few of the lifestyle factors that affect bone health include: Calcium & Vitamin D: Calcium is the building block of bone and Vitamin D helps your body use calcium. Adults age 50 and older need a total of 1200 mg of calcium and 800-1000 IU of vitamin D every day.

Eating Fruits and Vegetables: Eating a well-balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, is important for healthy bones. In addition to calcium and vitamin D, magnesium, potassium and vitamin K are a few of the many minerals and vitamins that are important for bone health.

Exercise: Certain types of regular exercise can help keep your bones strong. These include weight-bearing exercises such as fast walking and muscle-strengthening exercises.

Smoking & Alcohol: The chemicals in cigarettes are bad for your bone cells and can make it harder to absorb calcium. Consuming heavy amounts of alcohol can reduce bone formation and affects the body’s calcium supply.

Physical therapists are trained experts on preventing and treating osteoporosis. Physical therapy can help prevent osteoporosis as well as reduce falls and injuries for those diagnosed with the disease.

Therapy goals for preventing and treating osteoporosis include:
• Maintain or increase bone mass density
• Improve muscle strength, balance and cardiovascular fitness
• Improve posture
• Improve psychological well-being
• Prevent fractures
• Reduce falls
• Provide education

For more information, please contact our FUMC therapy department.

References: National Osteoporosis Foundation