Osteoporosis Work Toward Prevention

All women are familiar with the dreaded word, "osteoporosis." It seems the older we get, the more we hear it. Or, the older we get the more we fear it, so we tend to notice the word "osteoporosis" everywhere, in the media, pamphlets in the doctor's office, magazines, and, well, articles like this one.

I want to give you a little encouragement about osteoporosis and assure that every woman is not destined to fall and break a hip when she is a little older. After all, that is the image we get from much of the information available about osteoporosis.

There is hope and there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is the condition that causes brittle bones. Bones also shrink and become brittle and prone to breaks and fractures. The result is weakened bone density.

The best way to find out if you have osteoporosis or are experiencing early bone loss, a precursor to osteoporosis is to schedule a bone density test with your doctor. The test is done by measuring bone densitometry. This is a measurement of bone mineral density and helps your doctor determine if you are at risk for osteoporosis.

Catching the onset of osteoporosis is important. Medications can slow the progress of bone loss, and lifestyle changes can help make your bones stronger.

Lifestyle changes that can help minimize osteoporosis include cessation of smoking, minimizing alcohol consumption, and getting more exercise.

Factors which you cannot control, but which also place you at a greater risk for osteoporosis include a thin frame, a genetic history of osteoporosis, hyperthyroidism, postmenopausal women, women over 65, and women who have been prone to stress fractures in the past.

Extensive use of corticosteroids for other illnesses, use of certain diuretics, blood thinners, and other medications can also weaken your bone strength. Be sure to discuss this aspect of medications with your doctor or pharmacist to find out if your medication is increasing your risk factor for osteoporosis.

The good news is there are some things you can do to minimize the toll osteoporosis takes on your body.

Take control of your health. Prevent or minimize the impact of osteoporosis.

Credit: Chance Agrella

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