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Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the a bone disease characterized by reduced bone mineral density, leading to an increased risk of fracture.

Osteoporosis is a major public health issue, affecting 10 million Americans. The number, when combined with the 34 million Americans that suffer from osteopenia (thinning of the bone mass less severe than osteoporosis), accounts for more than half of the population over age 50.

As Americans are growing older, the problem of osteoporosis is growing increasingly clearer. Direct health-care costs from osteoporosis fractures total $1 billion, and those suffering from it will feel it, both in their health and bank accounts.

There is hope, however. Osteoporosis can be treated with simple lifestyle changes and certain medication, or a combination of both. Treatment for osteoporosis has one particular focus: preventing bone fractures. Since osteoporosis attacks and weakens the bone, preventing osteoporosis is essential in staying healthy. The following treatments are meant to treat and prevent osteoporosis. Making a few lifestyle changes may save thousands of dollars and maintain health in the future!

1. Exercise

Guaranteeing yourself exercise on a daily basis will provide you many health effects beyond preventing and treating osteoporosis. While exercise does not increase bone density, it can help you improve fitness and balance, preventing falls. Walking daily for up to half an hour can do wonders for your health. Of course, if you are already struggling with weakened bones, you should use extra caution with the intensity of exercise.

2. Quit Smoking

Smoking has been found to significantly decrease bone mass, especially when done over a prolonged period. In women, cigarettes can decrease estrogen levels, cause earlier menopause, and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Smoking also damages many other organs and present many additional health problems.

3. Calcium Supplements

Calcium is very instrumental in building stronger bones, especially earlier in life. Calcium supplements can not be considered a standalone treatment or cure for osteoporosis, but can work well as a preventive measure and supplemental treatment. Supplements are best taken in smaller doses with meals divided into 500 mg each.

4. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is also very important in healthy bone strength. As with calcium, Vitamin D supplements are not meant to be a sole treatment or cure for osteoporosis, but instead a preventive measure and supplemental treatment. Taking Vitamin D will help your body absorb dietary calcium, avoid osteomalacia, and increase bone density. Vitamin D deficiency is common in the United States, but can be easily matched with one or two multivitamin tablets per day.

5. Hormone Therapy

Estrogen hormone therapy has been found to counter the symptoms of osteoporosis. Women can take estrogen orally or in the form of a patch. Before choosing a hormone therapy, you should contact your doctor.

6. Medication

There are a number of medications that have been found to retain calcium in the bones. Bis phosphates can be taken to decrease the risk of fracture, selective estrogen receptor modulators can be used as a replacement for estrogen, calcitonin (a hormone) can prevent bone loss, and teriparatide (synthetic hormone) can help regulate calcium metabolism. Talk with your doctor for possible medications.