You may cut back your odds of getting osteoporosis as you age

Osteoporosis is taken into account a “silent” illness as a result of individuals often haven’t any signs — individuals don’t really feel their bones getting weaker and don’t understand they’ve the illness till they break a bone in an surprising means, reminiscent of a minor fall, lifting one thing or just coughing.

Every year, about 2 million damaged bones might be attributed to osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Along with these with osteoporosis, about 43 million individuals have an identical however much less extreme situation known as osteopenia. Their bones have a lower-than-desired quantity of minerals (primarily calcium and phosphorous), making a density that’s decrease than regular however not low sufficient to trigger straightforward fracture. However the situation can progress to osteoporosis.

A bone density scana sort of low-dose X-ray that measures the minerals in an individual’s bones, will help consider bones’ energy and thickness. Girls are urged to have this check beginning at age 65, however no age has been established for males. Though the physique always renews the content material of bones, that process normally slows with age.

However to maintain bones robust and keep away from the potential penalties of weak bones, well being specialists recommend consuming a food regimen wealthy in calcium and vitamin D, not smoking and commonly doing weight-bearing train (reminiscent of strolling, jogging or stair climbing), in addition to workouts to strengthen muscular tissues and to enhance steadiness. In some instances, medication is prescribed to sluggish the speed of bone loss and rebuild bone energy.

This text is a part of The Submit’s “Huge Quantity” sequence, which takes a short have a look at the statistical side of well being points. Extra data and related analysis can be found by the hyperlinks.