Who wouldn't want to be healthy and strong? Yes, it is a natural instinct and the unanimous answer to this, a big "Yes". Today the 20th October, we are here to focus on an important topic dedicated as "Osteoporosis Day".
Bones frame our structural system, thereby it is essential to make every effort to never neglect them and do our best to keep them strong.
Basically, bones are made up of Calcium and Minerals and the bone tissue is broken down and new cells are regenerated. However, in late 20's as a person becomes older the bone density breaks down faster than it rebuilds and 'Osteoporosis' sets in leading to fractures of the hips, wrist, spine, fingers etc.
Statistics by International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) show 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men have fractures due to 'Osteoporosis'.
Symptoms and early signs of Osteoporosis are:
- Back pain from fractured or collapsed vertebrae.
- Loss of height over time.
- Stooped posture.
- Simple falls leading to fractures, fractures especially of hip will require surgery.
High Risk People to Osteoporosis are:
- Women - more prone to Osteoporosis than men. Also when Menopause sets in they are at a higher risk.
- Thyroid patients - Thyroid problems can also cause bone loss.
Recommendations to protect your bones from Osteoporosis:
- Go to your doctor when in pain especially in your wrist, hip, back bone, and fingers or in fractures etc. Negligence of pain can make the condition even worse. Your doctor might advise an X-ray, or CT scan or take a Bone Density test and may ask you to take supplements or if needed a surgery too.
- Get enough Vit D daily. The best source is exposure to sunlight a very rich source of Vit D which enables your body to absorb Calcium.
- Add green veggies in your diet. Also consume dairy products – milk, curd, cheese are very helpful. Besides fish, or cod liver oil will do a good job.
- Never ever forget to do simple exercises such as walking, running, or simple weight lifting. Sedentary life style will deplete calcium from your bone and this will add even more to your pains/problems.
- In a nut shell, simple care is essential but very crucial is to look after your bones in preventing 'Osteoporosis'. Right medication in consultation with your doctor, besides eating wisely, exposure to sun at times and ample exercises is necessary to live a life of comfort and ease.
