May is National Osteoporosis Month and the perfect time to brush up on your knowledge about this serious, and rather common, condition. Learn how to keep yourself, and your patients, safe from this degenerative bone disease by adapting lifestyle habits that will keep bones strong well into the retirement years.
Prevalence of Osteoporosis
While osteoporosis can affect anyone of any age, the chances of getting it increases greatly with age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16.2% of adults over the age of 65 had some signs of osteoporosis. Seniors who were over the age of 80 had a higher prevalence rate of 25.7%.
It isn’t just age that increases risk for osteoporosis – sex has a major influence as well. Women are much more likely to have osteoporosis than their male counterparts, across all age groups.
Eating for Bone Strength
Combatting osteoporosis begins with nutrition, as bones are literally built by what you eat. Calcium intake has been shown for decades to be helpful in preventing osteoporosis, but Vitamin D is also a key component that allows for successful absorption. Patients should actively eat foods high in calcium and in Vitamin D, but should also supplement. Older adults should especially supplement Vitamin D in the winter months, for those who live in areas that see decreased light in the winter season.
Staying Active for Bone Strength
Beyond eating for healthy bones, patients should include physical activity in their daily life to keep bones strong. Resistance training, even using light weights, can have a significant impact on decreasing the chance of osteoporosis, as well as walking or jogging. While anyone of any age can begin these active lifestyle habits and see results, it is especially important to begin these activities decades before the risk of osteoporosis increases.
Partnering With Your Doctor
Finally, it is imperative to seek medical advice about your specific risks for osteoporosis. Patients should work closely with their medical team to perform the appropriate scans and screenings, as well as to determine a plan for nutrition and exercise.
This May, protect your bones by committing to a healthy lifestyle that will decrease your chance of osteoporosis.
