6 Proactive Simple Steps You Can Take Against Osteoporosis
Posted April 14, 2019 by Rachel P Espiritu, MD
You can take control over osteoporosis by following 6 simple steps:
- Talk to a healthcare professional about your risk factors.
- Follow a healthy diet. A well balanced diet, which includes a daily allowance of calcium and vitamin D, is a simple, achievable step towards healthy bones.
- Exercise regularly. Weight bearing exercise, such as walking, as well as balance and strength training increases bone strength and decreases the risk of fractures.
- Modify risk factors. Smoking and excessive alcohol intake are two modifiable lifestyle changes that decrease the risk for weak bones. Smoking accelerates bone loss and negatively affects bone healing. Excessive alcohol intake increases calcium loss leading to bone fragility.
- Ask if you qualify for a bone density test. A bone density test such as a DXA scan is a simple, painless screening tool that measures bone density and can aid in assessing risk of fracture.
- Create a fall-free environment. Reduce the likelihood of unwanted slips and trips by being mindful of surroundings and decluttering.
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