Each year the International Osteoporosis Foundation designates October 20 as World Osteoporosis Day to raise global awareness for the disease.
Osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens your bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It is sometimes called a “silent disease” because it can develop gradually over many years without causing any symptoms. It is quite common, although many people don’t know they have it until they break a bone.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million have low bone density, placing them at increased risk. Find out your personal risk factors for osteoporosis by taking the Osteoporosis Risk Test.
Can osteoporosis be prevented?
While fixed risk factors for osteoporosis, like age and gender, can’t be prevented, modifiable factors linked to personal lifestyle choices can be. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones.
Positive lifestyle habits all play a part in preventing osteoporosis while bad habits can increase your risk of osteoporosis. Examples include:
- Sedentary lifestyle. People who spend a lot of time sitting have a higher risk of osteoporosis than do those who are more active. Any weight-bearing exercise and activities that promote balance and good posture are beneficial for your bones, but walking, running, jumping, dancing and weightlifting seem particularly helpful.
- Excessive alcohol consumption. Regular consumption of more than two alcoholic drinks a day increases your risk of osteoporosis.
- Tobacco use. The exact role tobacco plays in osteoporosis isn’t clear, but it has been shown that tobacco use contributes to weak bones.
Woman’s Physical Therapy helps build stronger bones.
Woman’s offers a comprehensive Osteoporosis Treatment and Prevention physical therapy program that focuses on fitness, posture/balance and nutrition.
- Fitness: Learn the most effective exercises to maintain and improve bone strength. This may include walking regularly or participating in a Zumba class and strength training.
- Posture/Balance: Because osteoporosis can affect posture, our program analyzes postural imbalances and corrects them to ease back pain. We also focus on improving balance to reduce the risk of falls.
- Nutrition: Our program teaches the nutritional requirements for maintaining strong bones. A diet rich in foods that contain calcium and Vitamin D is essential for bone health. For individuals who are unable to get their daily requirements from food alone, supplements may be recommended.
If you are experiencing osteoporosis symptoms or at increased risk let us help! Our team can help you reduce bone loss and increase your strength. For more information, call 225-924-8766.