When my 88-year old mother recently fell at her assisted care facility, my first thoughts turned to broken bones and osteoporosis! And while the fall resulted in only a few bruises, the incident reminded me of the devastating effects bone fractures have in seniors—statistically, 20 – 30% of those who fracture a hip will die within 12 months.
Preserving Our Precious Minerals!
It’s a disease that afflicts millions of Americans. And like many chronic conditions, osteoporosis develops over a lifetime. The first sign of its existence is often disastrous—a broken bone that can be life-threatening for many seniors.
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by low bone density, resulting in brittle and weak bones. During childhood and adolescence, we’re constantly building and breaking down bones, storing minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in our skeletons. But after age 30, we begin to lose more bone than we construct. As a result, they are less dense or strong, making osteoporosis the leading cause of broken bones in adults over the age of 50.
Here are some facts about the disease from the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF):
¬ 54 million Americans have osteoporosis or low bone mass.
¬ Osteoporosis is responsible for two million broken bones every year in the U.S., and healthcare cost of $19 billion.
¬ One in two women and up to one in four men over age 50 will break a bone in their lifetime due to osteoporosis.
Tip the Scales in Your Favor
Researchers have discovered several risk factors for osteoporosis. While some are beyond your control, others are not. Here are a few risk factors that you cannot change:
1) Age: Older age, more osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women
2) Race: Being White or of Asian deseen
3) Family history: Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis
4) Sex: Approximately 80% of cases are in women
5) Body frame size: Having a small body frame
But you can take preventative measures to address other risk factors.
• Check with your healthcare provider: 1) If you believe you are at risk, ask for a bone density test, 2) discuss your medications, as some can lead to weaker bones, and 3) seek advice before starting vitamin or mineral supplements.
• Diet: Consume adequate amounts of calcium in the form of foods before turning to supplements; sun exposure helps our bodies make Vitamin D (required for calcium absorption)–we can also get this vitamin from food sources or supplements.
• Exercise: Perform weight-bearing exercises.
• Tobacco: Stop smoking.
• Alcohol: Limit to no more than two drinks per day.
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