Preventing Osteoporosis As We Age

Osteoporosis as described by Wikipedia is a disease of bones that leads to an increased risk of fracture. In osteoporosis, the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced, bone microarchitecture deteriorates, and the amount and variety of proteins in bone are altered.

In osteoporosis, the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced, bone microarchitecture deteriorates, and the amount and variety of proteins in bone are altered. Osteoporosis is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a bone mineral density of 2.5 standard deviations or more below the mean peak bone mass (average of young, healthy adults) as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

This disease is becoming an increasingly common occurrence especially in the elderly. It can make life much harder on our loved ones and can become an everyday concern to many. As bone density decreases the chance of a minor slip or fall becoming a fracture or break increases. This can affect the way life is lived for many and should be taken into consideration when making lifestyle decisions. Equipping yourself or your loved one with a medical alarm device from LifeFone should be a first consideration as this service can provide peace of mind and provide the opportunity for a more positive outcome in the event of an emergency. With this service, a simple push of a button on the medical alert necklace or bracelet provides access to 24/7 Care Agents who can summon EMT’s or a family member to the home.

Here are two simple steps to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. As with any advice involving your health, it is recommended that you check with your physician.

• Change your diet: Calcium should be consumed daily by most individuals aged 18 and older. Good sources include all dairy products as well as green vegetables, fish, soy products, cereals, and juices. Vitamin D is also extremely important as it helps absorb calcium in the body and therefore the two should be used in conjunction. Fish is a great source of vitamin D as is the Sun.
• Exercise: A weekly routine focused on strength training and weight control will help ensure that your bones and muscles stay strong. As we age it is even more important to maintain a healthy exercise routine as maintaining strength helps with balance and mobility.

By changing your diet and creating a daily or weekly exercise routine it can affect the chances of a person loosing bone density. The ability to live a long, healthy, mobile life depends on taking care of your body while you’re young. Be sure to remind your loved ones of the importance of exercise and a healthy diet. For your elderly loved ones, providing a medical alarm device will also help ease your mind when you may not be present.