October 20 is World Osteoporosis Day and a time to remind us about maintaining good bone health, especially from Midlife.
Each day for the next 5 days I will be posting information and tips on
- how Osteoporosis is diagnosed,
- ways to maintain strong bones,
- foods that may help to prevent Osteoporosis
- why balance & strength training should be included in your exercise routine
Osteoporosis Australia suggests that:
Osteoporosis is a common disease in Australia with 1.2 million people estimated to have osteoporosis and further 6.3 million with low bone density.
What is Osteoporosis?
This is a disease which affects both men and women with the numbers affected increasing with age. An assessment by J A Kanis for the WHO (2007) estimated that more than 200 million women worldwide would be affected by the disease.
The body loses minerals, such as calcium,at a rate faster than the body can replace them. This causes a loss of bone thickness which is referred to as bone density or mass.
Bones become brittle which can lead to a higher risk of breaks and fractures that are normal. It is sometimes referred to as the ‘silent disease’ because there are no symptoms.
Why do we need to be concerned about Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis means the possibility of more breaks and fractures as we age. It is estimated that 1 in 3 women worldwide and 1 in 5 men will experience abnormal numbers of fractures.
As we age, bones become less dense and thinner. How often have you seen an elderly person break a hip from a fall? Even a minor bump can cause serious fractures which is a complete or partial break of the bone.
The disease usually is more common in the hip, spine and wrist.
In the next article we look at How Osteoporosis can be diagnosed.
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19 Comments
Amazing the number of people with this condition – and I’m close to having it. I look forward to reading you series through the week. I eat dairy products each day but also take a Calcium and Vit D supplement and of course exercise every day.
I didn’t realise that there weren’t any symptoms Toni so having a bone density test is important. You seem to have it all covered though so keep up the good work.
I feel like at night my bones ache! Looking forward to your next post on how osteoporosis is diagnosed! Thank you Sue!
Hi Gigi, yes mine do too especially after a long run or if I have been standing a lot during the day. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series.
I tested out with low risk. It must be because I love cheese and yogurt. Hope it keeps up.
Hi Rebecca I’m sure the cheese and yogurt would definitely have helped. Great that you have had your test and you are low risk. Have a great day!
Mom had it but my bones are great, according to my bone density tests. All good, doc says!
I think all the exercise you do Carol has obviously helped.
I had bone density tests at 40 & 50. My bones are in good shape! But will keep them strong with strength training and a good (mostly) diet!
Great to hear Cathy. The bone density test is now on my ‘to do’ list. I hadn’t really thought of it before as I exercise so much especially strength training but I should check it out.
One of the things I’ve recently learned that surprised me was the milk, instead of helping protect against osteoporosis, actually increases your risk of it!
Hi Emma I hadn’t read about milk that is very surprising! I will need to check that out and thanks for mentioning it. Have a great week.
So glad you are sharing this info! This disease often goes under the radar and doesn’t get as much attention but so many people suffer with it. Look forward to your other posts on this!
I agree Rosemond, we hear about it but it doesn’t seem to resonate as we probably put it into the ‘when I get older’ basket. I need to have a bone density test – especially after advising others to do so. Have a lovely day!
Thank yo for sharing about the dangers of Osteoporosis and how to help the elderly or those who suffer form it at the Pit stop!
Thanks Julie and thanks for Hosting!
Osteoporosis is also a large factor in midlife here in the states. I’ve read that the large milk consumption may be the cause. (http://saveourbones.com/osteoporosis-milk-myth/) It’s hard to believe all sides of an argument but it is good to look at. I wonder what the rates are in Asian countries where milk is not a large factor?
Looking forward to this series.
That is disturbing about milk Sara as they have always suggested that is a good source of calcium. I will need to check that out. Thanks!
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