May is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month.
Osteoporosis is common in Australia. Women and men can be affected, with up to 25% of cases in men with people 50 years and over most likely at risk. Surprisingly osteoporosis can occur in younger people, depending on risk factors. Osteoporosis awareness is crucial for public health, as osteoporosis is a common condition characterized by weak, brittle bones that are more susceptible to fractures. It often goes unnoticed until a fracture occurs, which can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Here are some key points to raise awareness about osteoporosis:
1. Understanding Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. This leads to a decrease in bone density and strength, making bones fragile and more prone to fractures.
2. Risk Factors
Certain factors increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, including age, gender (women are at higher risk), family history (poor bone health), hormonal imbalances, inadequate nutrition (especially calcium and vitamin D), sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and certain medications. Also certain conditions – for example, a broken bone should be investigated in people 50 years +, Diabetes, Coeliac disease, cancers (breast or prostate), Anorexia nervosa, corticosteroids
3. Prevention
While some risk factors such as age and family history cannot be changed, several lifestyle changes can help prevent osteoporosis or reduce its severity. These include regular weight-bearing exercise, adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy body weight.
4. Diagnosis
Osteoporosis is often diagnosed through bone density tests such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans, which measure bone mineral density. This simple scan measures the density of your bones at the hip and spine. You simply lie on a flat padded table and the arm of the machine passes over your body. Generally, the scan should take approximately 10-15 minutes. Then, the Results from the test will be sent to your doctor. For more information go to Healthy Bones Australia. Early detection allows for timely intervention and management to prevent fractures.
5. Treatment Options
Treatment for osteoporosis typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medications to slow down bone loss, increase bone density, and reduce the risk of fractures.
There is no single “silver bullet” remedy for osteoporosis. It takes a whole-person approach. In addition, get enough dietary calcium, take vitamin D, participate in regular exercise, be fall-proof at home, and avoid smoking and excess alcohol.
Most medications function by slowing or blocking the activity of bone-removing cells (called osteoclasts) while leaving bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) at work. This helps improve bone strength over time. In Australia however, Osteoporosis medications are commonly prescribed and must be approved by the Federal Government. It is recommended you take your medication as directed to receive the full benefit. People with diagnosed osteoporosis complement medication use with the recommended calcium, vitamin D, and exercise levels. Furthermore, it is important that you go and see your GP and they will be able to help you.
6. Education and Awareness
Increasing awareness about osteoporosis is crucial to encourage individuals to adopt preventive measures, undergo screenings, and seek treatment when necessary. Public health campaigns, educational programs, and outreach efforts can play a significant role in raising awareness about osteoporosis and its prevention.
7. Support and Resources
Providing support and resources for individuals living with osteoporosis and their caregivers is essential. This includes access to information, support groups, healthcare professionals specializing in bone health, and resources for managing the condition effectively.
By raising awareness about osteoporosis and promoting preventive measures and early detection, we can help reduce the burden of this disease and improve the overall bone health and quality of life for individuals at risk.
Chiro & Sports Med
Our chiropractors at Chiro & Sports Med are committed to providing chiropractic solutions to your unique needs. Whether you are experiencing an irritated nerve, bulging disc, back pain, neck pain, knee pain, headaches, or even muscular tightness and tension, you may be searching for pain relief after an accident or experiencing an injury. Our mission is to help reduce or eliminate pain and to prevent future problems and injuries. Above all, we are here to improve your quality of life, well-being, and ability to live an active healthy lifestyle.
If you would like to make an appointment with one of the chiropractors at Chiro & Sports Med. call our office on 9817 2005 and one of our friendly staff will organise an appointment for you. Or you can simply Book Online.
