Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle , so much so that a fall or even slight strain, such as bending over or coughing, can cause a fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures most often occur in the hip, wrist, or spine.
When does osteoporosis occur?
When the creation of new bone (as bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced) does not keep pace with the loss of old bone.
Who does it affect the most?
Osteoporosis affects men and women of all races , but white and Asian women, and especially those who are past menopause, are most at risk. Medications, a healthy diet, and exercise with weights can help prevent bone loss or strengthen bones already weak from this metabolic bone disease.
Creation of World Osteoporosis Day
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) organizes World Osteoporosis Day each year. The celebration of this day includes campaigns developed by national societies of patients with osteoporosis from all over the planet and activities in more than 90 countries.
This day has been commemorated since 1996, thanks to a campaign launched by the National Osteoporosis Society of Great Britain and supported by the European Commission. Since 1999, each year the World Osteoporosis Day campaign features a specific theme. In 2019, the slogan with which they will start the campaign is: That’s Osteoporosis (This is osteoporosis) which, as always, seeks to raise awareness through stories and images of real people who suffer from this disease.
What Causes Osteoporosis?
Menopause, heredity, a low calcium diet, lack of exercise, and smoking are some of the factors that contribute to the development of osteoporosis.
What can I do to prevent osteoporosis?
-Eat a variety of healthy foods (rich in nutrients) every day. Taking several servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
– Take the necessary calcium. Consume 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium each day. It is better to get calcium from food than from supplements. Foods rich in calcium, such as low-fat dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese), dark green leafy vegetables (broccoli, kale, turnips), canned fish (sardines, salmon) … Try to eat a food rich in calcium in every meal.
– Get the recommended amount of vitamin D.
-Be physically active. Your bones get stronger and denser when you put them to work.
-No Smoking
-Limit alcohol intake.
-Take measures to avoid falls. Most broken bones occur as a result of a fall that could have been prevented.
– Perform a bone mineral density test when instructed to do so.
