World Osteoporosis Day : What is Osteoporosis and What Causes It?
20th October is observed as World
Osteoporosis Day all across the globe. The day is dedicated to spread the
global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of metabolic bone
disease and osteoporosis. Every year the
day is followed by specific theme and this year the theme is ‘LOVE YOUR BONES:
Protect your future’.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which
the bones of the body become very weak or fragile. It increases the risk for
fractured bones. The bones become so fragile that even as a result of minor
fall or sneeze or a sudden body movement, bones break easily. The fractures
caused by osteoporosis are life threatening and can also lead to life long
disability with immense pain.
It has been observed worldwide, one in three
women and one in five men aged 50 years or above suffers from osteoporotic
fracture.
With the data published by the recent survey,
it shows that in India, nearly 25 million Indians have osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is divided into 2 categories:
Primary Osteoporosis: It is also known as postmenopausal
osteoporosis. Generally occurs after the age of 75 years and is seen in both
females and males at the ratio of 2:1.
Secondary Osteoporosis: It can happen at any age and effects male and
female both equally. This is the result from chronic predisposing medical
problems or diseases.
What are the signs and symptoms of
Osteoporosis?
There are particularly no sign and symptoms of
osteoporosis in the early stages of the bone loss. Once the bones weakens,
these are the certain signs and symptoms that a person may came across:
Pain in the back, generally caused by a
fractured or collapsed vertebra
Loss of height in short span of time
A stooped body posture
A fracture in bone that occurs more easily than
expected
What are the preventive measures for
Osteoporosis?
REGULAR EXERCISING: The best exercise for the prevention of
osteoporosis are - weight bearing, muscle-strengthening and balance-training
exercises.
DIET RICH IN BONE-HEALTHY NUTRIENTS: Calcium, vitamin-D and protein are the
most important and essential for bone health.
Safe exposure to sunlight provides the sufficient vitamin-D.
NEGATIVE LIFESTYLE HABITS SHOULD BE
AVOIDED: Opt for a healthy life style
by maintaining body weight and avoiding consumption of alcohol and smoking.
ALWAYS CHECK FOR THE RISK FACTORS: always check for the risk factors and
bring them out in the notice of your doctors.
GET TESTED AND TREATED IF NEEDED: If you’re at high risk you will likely
need medication to ensure optimal protection against fracture.
“If you are above 50 years
of age and have risk factors then doctors assessment is mandatory to maintain
healthy bone status. Bringing out change in the lifestyle will help people to
fight against this disease of Osteoporosis”, says Dr. Kiran Seth,Consultant
Physician Rheumatologist, Metro Hospitals & Heart Institute. For more information and
appointments, call: +91 99104 92867 or metro@metrohospitals.com
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