First, let me say that I am not a Doctor. This article is based on research and watching my mother suffer with this debilitating disease. If you think you are suffering from Osteoporosis, please see a Doctor.
An estimated 10 million Americans have osteoporosis. The disease is not gender specific and can effect both men and women, although, women are 4 times more likely to develop the disease. So of the 10 million estimated to have the disease, 8 million are women and 2 million are men. 55 percent of the people were age 50 years or older. Osteoporosis is often thought of as an older person’s disease, don’t let it fool you…it can strike any age.
Osteoporosis causes the bones to become fragile and more likely to break. These breaks are referred to as fractures. They often effect the spine, hip or wrist but any bone can be effected. The fractures of the spine or hip can require hospitalization and major surgery. It can happen at any time from something as benign at lifting a laundry basket.
My mother has fractured her spine twice in a four-month period of time, while this is not typical, it can happen. To help ensure that this does not happen again, she has been told that she can not lift anything over 1 pound, ever. She is at the point where she is afraid to do anything and that is not a way to live. The doctor has also started her on Fortéo®. This medication stimulates new bone formation and significantly increases bone mineral density. Fortéo® is self-administered as a daily injection for up to 24 months. Sounds awful, but there is nothing to it. It is a tiny needle and you hardly feel a thing. Side effects can include nausea, leg cramps and dizziness. This medication is usually used for those who are at high risk for fractures. There are several medications that are now being used now to treat Osteoporosis. Again, check with your doctor for an option that is right for you.
Some of the risk factors that will determine who will develop Osteoporosis are:
Age – the older you are the higher the risk will be. The older you are the weaker and less dense your bones will be. But, keep in mind that it can strike at any age.
Gender- Remember that women are 4 times more likely to develop the disease.
Family History - Susceptibility to fracture may be, in part, hereditary. Young women whose mothers have a history of vertebral fractures also seem to have reduced bone mass.
Bone Structure and Body Weight – Small bone structure and thin women are at a greater risk.
Lifestyle - Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or consuming an inadequate amount of calcium.
These are just a few. To see the entire list please visit: www.nof.org
Calcium alone cannot prevent or cure osteoporosis, but it is an important part of an overall prevention or treatment program. We get calcium from a variety of things we eat every day. (One I didn’t realize was Broccoli.) Then of course, is fish, cheese, milk, or by adding nonfat powdered dry milk to your recipes. Be sure to start taking a calcium supplement. Since there are several different types of calcium and a variety of supplements available, you should discuss the choice of calcium with your doctor. Getting enough calcium, whether through diet or supplements, is essential to maintaining bone strength and can play a vital role in preventing osteoporosis-related fractures. Speak to a doctor or dietician about how you can get the proper amount of calcium.
If you have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis, take heart, while taking prescribed medications is very expensive, especially for those who do not have insurance to help defray the costs, using them is vital to your health. There are very few options available for those who are retired for obtaining these types of drugs without cost, but they are out there. For more information, read my article on Affordable Heath Care.
Take action now to prevent suffering with this debilitating disease. And if you are suffering with Osteoporosis, there is treatment. Check with your doctor and make a plan of action.
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