There’s no denying that the years do a number on the body. As the years progress, bones change and become susceptible to disease such as osteoporosis — where the density and quality of bone are reduced, becoming more porous and fragile, and the risk of fracture is greatly increased.
Osteoporosis can affect women and men, and while heredity plays part in determining a person’s risk of developing the condition, hormones play an even bigger role — as a result of drops in estrogen levels in women during menopause, and drops in testosterone levels in men over 50.
5 tips for better bone health:
The good news is that there are simple things you can do to help keep your bones strong over the advancing years:
Exercise consistently. It is well known that exercise is one of the vital ways to prevent problems with bones, muscles, and joints, and a regular regimen helps maintain bone strength as well as balance.
Have a bone density test: Bone density tests check how strong your bones are by measuring a small part of one or a few of them. The results help determine how best to treat or prevent bone loss and fractures. The test is generally recommended for women and men over age 65.
Eat a calcium-rich diet: A well-balanced diet should include plenty of calcium. Women need to be especially careful to get enough calcium and vitamin D as they age. Postmenopausal women and men over age 65 should take 1,200 mg of calcium and 400 to 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day.
Take preventative measures: If you are high-risk for developing osteoporosis, there are treatments that can be considered at the onset of menopause to minimize this risk,
Seek relief: If you already have osteoporosis, there are prescription treatments available to help slow the progression of bone loss and alleviate symptoms.
Your partner in health
At DXP Imaging, we can start you on your way to better health. Because treatments are available for osteoporosis, early detection with bone density testing is vital. Screenings should start at menopause for women with increased risk factors and between 50 and 59 for men with increased risk factors. Find out more by giving us a call today.