Osteoporosis is the weakening of bones and occurs in one quarter of all women, and one eighth of all men. Although the rate of osteoporosis is much higher among women, it is certainly not just a woman’s illness. Increasing numbers of men are affected by osteoporosis.
Sadly, it is often a fractured bone that alerts someone to the fact that they have osteoporosis. Low trauma fractures—fractures that occur from a standing height or less—are sometimes the only warning sign evident to someone about their bone health. Fractures can cause dire consequences, especially in seniors. One year after a hip fracture, 80% of patients cannot perform at least one activity of daily living, 40% cannot walk independently, 30% are permanently disabled, and 20% have died.
While a hip fracture does not cause death directly, it can be the result of underlying frailty, and it is usually other health factors which lead to death.
Sustaining good bone health is an important way to prevent a low trauma fracture. You need to ensure that your calcium level is high enough at all times, because you naturally eliminate calcium through urination, so your body will deplete the calcium from your bones if you are calcium deficient.
Calcium supplements are available in various forms and you can increase your intake of calcium-rich foods such as milk & other dairy, green leafy vegetables and almonds. Vitamin D supplements are also recommended so that the calcium can be fully absorbed.
If you are concerned about your bone health and your calcium level, you should speak to your physician. Strong and healthy bones are important at any age and it’s never too early or too late to begin caring for your bones!
