The National
Osteoporosis Foundation reports that “around 54 million Americans have
osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at an increased risk for
osteoporosis.” Research also indicates that approximately one in every two
women and up to one in four men age 50 years and
older will break a bone due to osteoporosis. These injuries often lead to serious
complications, and in fact, twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die
within one year of surgery and many others require long-term care.
The Mayo Clinic reports that osteoporosis-related fractures occur most
commonly in the hip, wrist or spine.
They explain that our bones are made up of living tissues that is
“constantly being broken down and replaced.”
The disease occurs when the creation of new bone is not keeping up with
the removal of old bone. As we age, bone
replacement slows down and our overall bone mass is reduced faster than we can
recreate it.
The bones of
people suffering from the disease become increasingly more brittle to the point
that a mild fall may cause a broken bone.
In the most severe cases of osteoporosis, a fracture can occur from even
movements such as coughing or bending over.
The disease affects both men and women, although women are much more
likely to get it and older white and Asian women (especially those
post-menopausal) are at the highest risk.
There are a
number of health problems, medicines, and life-style choices that can increase
your chance of getting osteoporosis.
These include autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and
multiple sclerosis, breast and prostate cancer, endocrine/hormonal disorders
including diabetes, a poor diet, and smoking among other factors.
A painless test
is used to measure bone density and to determine the proportion of mineral in
your bones. To treat osteoporosis,
patients at the highest risk are often prescribed different types of
medications. For others at a lower risk,
they are advised to eat a healthy diet, quit smoking and to engage in
weight-bearing exercises.
This post is
intended for informational purposes only.
Before you begin any physical exercise, please contact your health care
provider.
The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Glendale, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart
from other senior living
communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all
seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated
to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage
you to see for yourself the finest independent and assisted living in Glendale
AZ.
Sources:
nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/home/ovc-20207808
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