May is National Osteoporosis Month. According to the National Council for Aging Care and the National Osteoporosis Foundation, more than 44 million Americans aged 50 and older either have or face the threat of developing osteoporosis due to low bone density levels.
What many may not know is that osteoporosis is not only treatable, but can be reversed with proper diet, exercise and other lifestyle-related changes.
Falling is a big deal!
For people who have osteoporosis, losing their balance and possibly falling are huge concerns. With weak, brittle bones, often falls can result in broken hips, pelvises and legs. These are easier to break and are harder to heal because the bones are weak to begin with.
Women, in particular, are at an increased risk for developing osteoporosis. Women who are post-menopausal are particularly at higher risk. Diagnosis and treatment need to be taken seriously and as with many other diseases and medical conditions, early diagnosis is key to treatment and possible reversal.
Excellent resources
Both the National Council for Aging Care and the National Osteoporosis Foundation are excellent educational resources. People can learn about lifestyle changes that can work to make bones stronger, know the risks of weak bone structure and discover other health and medical resources that are made available at the click of a mouse. So, what are some lifestyle tips to help fight the loss of bone strength? They include:
- Reduce alcohol consumption.
- Introduce more protein to your diet, whether it be through supplements or healthier food.
- Lose weight to help put less stress on your bones.
- Exercise through cardiovascular activities and lifting weights. Both of these help maintain healthy and strong bones.
Diagnosis is made or confirmed through a DEXA bone density exam. Click here to learn more about DEXA, which is performed at our Capitol Imaging Services affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services, in Covington, Marrero, Metairie and Slidell, LA.
