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Osteoporosis, which makes bones fragile and prone to breaking, has often been called a silent disease. That's because once it sets in, it can progress painlessly if left untreated until a bone breaks. No bone is immune, but usually fractures occur in the hip, spine and wrist. Of these, hip and spine fractures are the most serious. A person with a hip fracture cannot walk unassisted and faces prolonged or permanent disability and even death. A spinal fracture can lead to serious consequences, including severe back pain, loss of height, and deformity. A dangerous myth about osteoporosis is that it affects only women, especially the old. Nothing could be further from the truth. Osteoporosis affects both men and women of all races, except that women are more likely than men to develop the disease. In 2004, the US Surgeon General issued the first-ever report on bone health. Among the findings presented in the report were:
too old to improve your bone health. People of all ages can have strong bones and live longer, healthier lives if they follow guidelines on healthy nutrition, engage in daily physical activity (see Exercises for Building Strong Bones) and have regular check-ups and screenings. Also, if it is diagnosed in time, osteoporosis can be treated with drugs that help prevent bone loss and rebuild bone before life-threatening fractures occur. To prevent osteoporosis, do the following:
of your life. Related article: Exercises for Building Strong Bones |
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