World Osteoporosis Day is observed annually on October 20 to raise awareness of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease and their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Let’s learn about osteoporosis’ symptoms, risk factors, treatments, and early management from specialists to seek timely treatment to prevent it from worsening.
A bone condition that can be caused by even the most minor pressures, like leaning over or coughing, osteoporosis can lead to sudden or unexpected fractures. The silent bone disease gradually makes the bones porous and prone to destruction while exhibiting virtually no signs.
Due to the declining oestrogen levels, women approaching menopause are more likely to develop osteoporosis than other age groups. Also, smoking, alcohol use, a diet low in essential minerals like calcium or vitamin D, and a sedentary lifestyle can all increase the risk of illness, which will only worsen with time if the initial symptoms are not treated. Osteoporosis affects about 50 million people in India, with menopausal women having a higher frequency of getting the disease than the general population.
Older adults also have an increased risk of acquiring osteoporosis. Natural ageing causes a decrease in bone density, and menopause causes women’s oestrogen levels to drop significantly, hastening the loss of bone. Also, several medical disorders, a lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and hereditary susceptibility can also influence the development of osteoporosis in older persons.
Changing one’s lifestyle can significantly lower the risk of osteoporosis. Weight-bearing workouts like jogging, dancing, or regular brisk walks strengthen bones and enhance overall bone health. A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is essential for maintaining strong bones. These nutrients can be found in dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, and fortified cereals.
There are numerous strategies to stop osteoporosis from becoming a significant disability. To lower the risk of developing osteoporosis in later life, read on for some straightforward and popular prevention advice that may be included in a person’s lifestyle. These include:
Get enough calcium: Consume enough calcium-rich foods, such as dairy, leafy greens, and fortified cereals.
Vitamin D intake: Ensure you get enough vitamin D by eating fatty fish, egg yolks, and dairy products that have been fortified. If a supplement is required, speak with a doctor.
Exercise: To help grow and maintain bone density, perform weight-bearing workouts like walking, dancing, or lifting weights.
Quit smoking: To maintain the health of your bones, you must stop smoking because it increases your chance of osteoporosis.
Limit alcohol intake: It is advised to minimise alcohol consumption to lower the risk of osteoporosis since excessive alcohol use might weaken bones.
Avoid excessive caffeine consumption: It’s vital to moderate caffeine intake because too much of the same can hinder calcium absorption.
Ensure fall prevention at home: To reduce falls within a house, remove risks from your home, use handrails, and wear the proper footwear as fall prevention methods.
Regular health check-ups: Consult a medical professional at regular intervals with your bone health and other related screening reports review any issues.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): If necessary, speak with a doctor about hormone replacement medication, which can occasionally help lower the risk of osteoporosis.
Medication adherence: If prescribed a medicine for osteoporosis, it’s crucial to take it exactly as prescribed and attend follow-up sessions to assess its efficacy.
In conclusion, while lifestyle modifications can aid in lowering the chances of osteoporosis, they might not wholly prevent it. Individuals should seek advice from a healthcare provider for individualised recommendations and, undergo bone density testing. This is especially advised for people who are at higher risk.
by Mr. Amol Naikawadi, Joint Managing Director & Preventive Healthcare Specialist, Indus Health Plus
