Osteoporosis Awareness Month
The word "osteoporosis" is from the Greek terms for "porous bones".
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, which can lead to increased risk of fracture. Known as the "silent thief", bone deterioration can occur over a number of years without any symptoms. Unfortunately, by the time affected bones break or fracture, the disease is already fairly advanced and less treatable. The most common fractures associated with osteoporosis are in the hip, spine, wrist, and shoulder.
Today, no single cause for osteoporosis has been identified.
Bone acts as a calcium store. Bones and muscles both need calcium, vitamin D and magnesium as well as other nutrients to function well. Our bodies will take from bones to provide nutrients to muscles, so having enough varied nutrients in our daily diet throughout our lives helps set us up for a life time of strong bones.
High phosphoric acid drinks (soda) lead to calcium reabsorption from bone (aka osteoporosis).
Medications for delaying the progression of osteoporotic bone density loss do not work by themselves. One needs to also do weight-bearing and/or resistance exercise. Doing resistance exercise alone can sometimes stall osteoporosis, and build bone density - as long as we have good nutrition as well (or we may need the special medications).
Resistance exercise includes walking (for the lower body) and weight-training (for the whole body.)
Some community centers have resistance training classes available specifically designed for maintaining stronger bones.
Poor balance can make us trip and/or fall. This is when fractures can happen, especially if one has osteoporosis. Maintaining or re-training to have good balance helps reduce the occurrence of fractures. Chiropractors can provide appropriate balance exercises for each person's level of need.
Sunshine is a natural source of Vitamin D so make sure to soak it in while you can.
For more information about Osteoporosis:
https://osteoporosis.ca/about-the-disease/what-is-osteoporosis/
https://www.iofbonehealth.org/news/november-osteoporosis-awareness-month-canada