OSTEOPOROSIS, THE SILENT THIEF
What is Osteoporosis ?
''Osteo'' means bone. Osteoporosis literally means ''Porous
bones''. Osteoporosis is thinning of the bones that occur
with age. Bones become weak and fragile, until even a
slight impact may cause them to break.
What happens to bones during Osteoporosis ?
By about 20, the average woman has acquired 98% of her
skeletal mass. This Process of bone acquisition slows
down as you get older. Between ages 35 -40, you begin
to lose bone mass, remains reasonably stable until age
50 and then declines progressively.This loss, if severe,
can lead to Osteoporosis.
How does a person know that he/she has Osteoporosis ?
Osteoporosis is difficult to detect at an early stage.
Most people don''t realise that they have it. The disease
slowly and silently steals bone, often giving no pain or
sign, until the first fracture. Therefore, the disease is
also reffered to as "silent thief". Fractures of the spine,
wrist or hip in old age could be due to Osteoporosis.
What are the signs and symptoms of Osteoporosis ?
a) Bone pain in the hip, arm or wrist
b) Low back pain
c) Loss of height and a stooped posture
d) Fractures of the hip, spine, back or wrist, sometimes
without falling
How widespread is Osteoporosis ?
Osteoporosis is quite common. While it is estimated that
25 - 30% of all women are prone to fracture because of
osteoporosis, it is believed that 50% of women over 75
have Osteoporosis.
Who are more affected by Osteoporosis - men or women ?
Both men and women are prone to Osteoporosis. after the
age of 65 - 70 years, men begin to lose bone rapidly.
Women begin to lose bone once they reach menopause,
between 40 -45 years, when harmone (ostrogen) levels
fall. Women are nearly four times likely than men to
suffer an Osteoporosis - related fracture.
What are the risk factors ?
The following risk factors may trigger Osteoporosis :
a) Family history b) Low calcium diet c) Lack of physical
exercise d) Being underweight e)Alcohol consumption
f) smoking g) Medicines such as corticosteroids,diuretics,
medications for blood pressure,etc. h) Early menopause
i) Women whose ovaries are surgically removed.
Is there a cure for Osteoporosis ?
First of all, prevention is best.Osteoporosis has no cure,
but some mass can be maintained and even increased to some
extent. It depends on the amount of bone mass you have already
&, but your doctor can discuss treatment options that can
actually increase bone mass and decrease your chances of
fractures.
How to prevent Osteoporosis ?
1) Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake are necessary
to develop and preserve healthy bones throughout your life.
2) Good sources of calcium - dairy products such as milk,cheese,
yogurt, green leafy vegetables, nuts especially almonds, and
seafood like fish.
3) Vitamin D may be obtained from eggs, liver, or by spending
15 minutes in the sun 2-3 times a week.
4) 15-20 minutes walking daily helps stop further weakening
of bones.
5) Weight- bearing exercises such as low -impact aerobics,stair
climbing, running and swimming helps keep your bones strong.
6) Muscle - building exercises are not recommmended for people
with Osteoporosis.
7) avoid smoking.
8) Cut excessive alcohol intake.
9) Daily practise compulsorily Yoga,pranayama(breathing exercises)
and meditation
MEASUREMENTS RESULTS
T-Score upto - 1 - Normal
T-Score between - 1.1 & - 2.5 - Osteopenia
T-Score below - -2.6 - Osteoporosis
Writer...... The Himalaya Drug company
Makali, Bangalore 562 123, India
Tel:080- 23714444 Fax: 080 - 23714474
E-mail: write.to.us@himalayahealthcare.com
Website : www.himalayahealthcare.com