Osteoporosis - Harmonize Care

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them more likely to break. It develops when bone density decreases faster than normal with aging. This can happen for a variety of reasons:

• Lack of calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients needed for healthy bones
• Hormone changes from menopause in women or low testosterone in men
• Certain medications like steroids or medications for seizures or breast cancer
• Inactive lifestyle with lack of weight-bearing exercise
• Smoking and excess alcohol intake

When you have osteoporosis, your bones lose density and the insides become porous like a sponge. This makes them more fragile and prone to fractures or breaks. Fractures most often occur in the hip, wrist, and spine.

Some common signs and symptoms of osteoporosis include:

• Sloping shoulders or curved upper back
• Loss of height over time
• Loose or ill-fitting dentures
• Fragile bones that break easily

Major risk factors for developing osteoporosis include:

• Being female
• Advanced age
• Family history
• Small, thin frame
• Race - Caucasians and Asians most at risk
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Sedentary lifestyle

There are a few things you can do to help prevent and treat osteoporosis:

• Get enough calcium and vitamin D
• Perform weight-bearing and resistance exercises
• Don't smoke and limit alcohol
• Take bone-strengthening medication if prescribed

While osteoporosis cannot be cured, the key is early prevention and treatment to stop excessive bone loss. Maintaining a balanced diet with proper nutrition and an active lifestyle goes a long way. But if you're at high risk or already showing signs of osteoporosis, be sure to see your doctor right away. Getting on medication to strengthen bones can reduce fractures and future disability down the line.

So in summary - osteoporosis makes bones porous and fragile, raising risk of fractures. It often develops with aging, hormonal changes or poor nutrition. Stay active, follow a healthy lifestyle, and get on medication if needed to keep your bones strong! Visit Harmonize Care for more information.