Osteoporosis is a commonly mentioned condition,
so what is it, and how can you avoid it?
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become brittle, fragile and prone to breaking as a result of a loss of calcium. The risk of developing osteoporosis increases with age. Other risk factors include being post-menopausal, having a family history of the condition, taking steroids, having rheumatoid arthritis, an overactive thyroid or parathyroid glands, coeliac disease, chronic liver or kidney disease, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, being underweight, having a low calcium intake or low vitamin D levels or leading a highly sedentary lifestyle.
Many people do not realise they have osteoporosis until they have a fracture that seems to occur out of nowhere. Some are not even aware of their fractures, such as fractures of the spine, which result in back pain, loss of height and rounding of the back, and are just put down to old age. Osteoporosis is diagnosed with a bone-density test.
If you are diagnosed with the condition, medications can slow the progression of bone loss. In terms of prevention, ensure you have adequate calcium (through diet or, if necessary, supplements); adequate vitamin D (through adequate sun exposure); and sufficient physical activity. Do a combination of weight-bearing exercise (jogging, walking or dancing) and resistance or strength training and aim for 30 to 40 minutes, four to six times a week.
Source: http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/
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