Everything You Need to Know About Osteoporosis

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Osteoporosis means porous bone, ie, is the progressive decalcification of the bones to become brittle. It is a disease in which there is decreased bone mass and deterioration of bone quality, which becomes more fragile. The higher the fragility, the greater the risk of a fracture. Although the occurrence is higher in women, men can also have the disease, which becomes more common with aging. Bones grow up to 20 years. Thereafter, the density increases up to 35 years and the weight loss begins gradually - or osteoporosis. The process is faster in women, especially after menopause.

image picture osteoporosis





Causes

There are several causes of the disease. The main ones are: - Menopause; - Old age, family history of osteoporosis, lean physique, is more common in Caucasians and Asian; Low calcium intake, diabetes, lack of exposure to sunlight, little physical activity habits smoking, alcohol, coffee or chronic diseases.

FAQs

1 - Who does not like milk at higher risk for osteoporosis?

No. One of the tips on disease prevention is concerned with the minimal intake of calcium necessary for healthy bones. Are recommended 1,200 mg per day. For those who do not like milk, just use other dairy products like cheese.

2 - Osteoporosis has no cure and can not be treated?

Osteoporosis has no cure, but treatment must be done by medical experts can provide guidance on drugs that stabilize the framework of the disease or improve the problem. This means avoiding major complications and significantly reduce the risk of fractures.

3 - Who has osteoporosis can not do physical activity?

On the contrary. Physical exercise is essential. In this case, the exercises should have minimal impact. Walking is the most recommended activity.

4 - Should I be concerned only with osteoporosis after menopause?

No. The level of calcium in the body, in fact, is lower after menopause, but its incidence is not related to this phase. Prevention should be a lifelong concern. Simply follow some everyday actions, such as exposing oneself to unfiltered sunlight for 15 minutes every day. The sun should focus on the face, upper trunk and arms. Warning: you should avoid the sun after 10 hours of the morning. It should also take vitamin D daily. Vegetables and fortified dairy products provide this vitamin.

5 - Osteoporosis is a disease of females?

Women have more osteoporosis than men because their bones are thinner and lighter and have significant loss during menopause. However, men with dietary deficiency of calcium and vitamins are susceptible to the disease.

6 - Osteoporosis is hereditary?

Not to say that if the family history is in favor of osteoporosis, everyone will develop the disease. But it’s important, yes, identify if the parents are suffering from osteoporosis. If so, you should keep extra care in preventing the disease. Explanation: vitamin D is more efficient in calcium absorption in some people than others and this trait is inherited. Descendants of people who are less able to absorb calcium in the body which had osteoporosis as adults are more likely to have the disease. But nothing that good eating habits can not change this picture.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is silent and the patient does not realize that the disease is developing. The first symptom is pain caused by the fracture.

Diagnosis of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes no symptoms and, therefore, is called the silent disease. The diagnosis is to identify osteoporosis bone density with the aid of the Bone Densitometry, which is a quick and painless.

Treatment of Osteoporosis

Exercising, avoiding smoking and excess coffee and alcohol are necessary. It should also increase the consumption of calcium and vitamin D through diet or with medication. The physician should evaluate their use as each case.

Living / Prognosis

The consumption of calcium-rich foods such as milk and its derivatives, as well as exercise and exposure to sunlight, are very important to build and maintain healthy bones. Caring for patients with osteoporosis are:

* Regular eye exams
* Wear shoes with non-slip soles
* Fixed to the floor mats
* Avoid long waxed or wet floors. Calcium intake is essential for strong bones. Adopt a diet rich in foods containing calcium (milk and dairy products like yogurt and cheese). Doctors recommended two glasses of skim milk and a slice of white cheese per day
* Eat dark, leafy greens such as broccoli, spinach and cabbage
Avoid red meat, soda, coffee and salt
* Expose yourself to sunlight moderately. The ultraviolet rays on the skin stimulate the production of vitamin D, essential for calcium absorption by the body. Just 20 to 30 minutes of sun a day, between 6am and 11am
* Do not smoke and avoid excessive alcohol consumption
* Regardless of age, start an exercise program (walking or weight training can be, for example). Among other advantages, it helps to strengthen muscles, improve balance and reflexes, avoiding falls
* Women who entered menopause should consult a doctor to get special treatment. From 45 years, should undergo a bone densitometry test
* Obstacles such as furniture, rugs and poor lighting can facilitate the falls and, consequently, cause fractures in people with osteoporosis. Learn how to make the home safer with a few tips: In bed, it is important what the person can place his feet on the ground, thus avoiding postural hypotension (dizziness)
* The bedside table is 10 inches taller than the bed and with rounded edges. If possible, secure it on the floor or wall, preventing it from moving if the person needs to rely on it
* Whenever possible, install the light switches next to the bed or adopt a lamp
* Choose non-slip floor for wet areas (such as box and runners)
* Avoid throw rugs, and prefers the rubber, slip-resistant
* The handrail of the stairs must have an average height of 80 cm and up stairs must be marked with anti-slip tapes.

Risk factors

Risk factors - family history of the disease, advanced age, prolonged immobility; Some types of drugs, alcohol and smoking, diseases that interfere with bone metabolism.

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