Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones are so porous they cannot hold minerals or calcium. In the early years of a human life, there will not be any symptoms until much later on when a bone fracture occurs. Osteoporosis Symptoms are weak bones that fracture easily particularly at the wrists and the hip.
Other symptoms to note are spinal compression fractures resulting from weak bones cracking under pressure from the weight of the body. The widow’s hump is one of the first Osteoporosis Signs and should prompt a visit to the doctor for further investigation. Additionally, regular spinal fractures will cause chronic lower back pain.
As the bones weaken, hip fractures will often result from falls. Slow healing fractures indicate another sign of osteoporosis. Women who are smokers and women who have entered menopause prior to age 45 will probably develop osteoporosis. Also women who have had low calcium levels most of their adult life, who are physically inactive and are of American or European descent are more prone to developing osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease. It will radically affect the mobility of the afflicted individual since often after a fall, the majority of victims spend the rest of their days wheel chair bound. Data shows that within the first year of a hip fracture 23% of those afflicted in Canada alone will die. With reduced exercise, they will also be more prone to attacks of pneumonia and other potentially fatal illnesses.
The internet supplies a great deal of Osteoporosis Information. Data shows that one out of two women of Caucasian descent will experience a fractured bone caused by osteoporosis. These statistics alone should be a wake-up call for women to not put off getting bone density tests and to learn what the family history is.
Both men and women diagnosed with osteoporosis must make the same lifestyle changes. Weight lifting has proven to be a recommended physical activity to build up muscle strength. This will alleviate the pressure put on the bones. Eating foods rich in vitamin D and calcium will also help to improve the physical health of the patient. Men should be taking 1200 mgs of calcium and 800 IUs of vitamin D daily.
There is also an ample selection of over the counter calcium supplements that serve as a Osteoporosis Treatment. Drugs with the recommended bisphosphonates help to increase new bone build up. The best strategy is to start on a program of healthy eating and living well before the fractures make themselves known. But it is never too late to start on a bone building program to stave away any risk of fractures.
Healthy individuals will start losing bone mass in their 30s. For this reason it is important to study Osteoporosis Information and to adjust one’s lifestyle to decrease the likelihood of contracting osteoporosis.
Physical activity is important in the building of new bones, building muscle strength, improving posture and helping develop a well balanced physicality. Young people in particular should be focused on building a peak bone mass before their thirties when bone density starts to thin. Building physical fitness in one’s youth is an investment for a better lifestyle in one’s mid and senior years.
Osteoporosis Information is readily available. It can be a life saver to many people if they plan ahead for the best life has to offer them.