Skip to main content.

Osteoporosis: Don't Be Broken

Posted April 14, 2019

Osteoporosis Blog

6 Proactive Simple Steps You Can Take

Osteoporosis is a bone disease in which the bones become weak and brittle. Osteoporosis is a disease in which there is an increased risk of fracturing a bone from a non-traumatic fall or even simple actions such as sneezing.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 54 million Americans have osteoporosis or low bone mass. Studies also show that 50% of women and 25% of men around age 50 are at risk for breaking a bone secondary to osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis bone breaks most commonly occur in the hip, spine or wrist. These fractures can at times be silent. The consequences of such fractures can include pain, immobility, hospital stays, loss of independence and increased mortality.

Osteoporosis also carries a financial burden. According to the Osteoporosis Foundation experts predict that by 2025 osteoporosis will cost 25.3 billion dollars annually.

You can take control over osteoporosis by following 6 simple steps:

  1. Talk to a healthcare professional about your risk factors.
  2. Follow a healthy diet. Well balanced diet, which includes a daily allowance of calcium and vitamin D, is a simple, achievable step towards healthy bones.
  3. Exercise regularly. Weight bearing exercise, such as walking, as well as balance and strength training increases bone strength and decreases the risk of fractures.
  4. Modify risk factors. Smoking and excessive alcohol intake are two modifiable lifestyle changes that decrease the risk for weak bones. Excessive alcohol intake increases calcium loss leading to bone fragility.
  5. Ask if you qualify for a bone density test. A bone density test is a simple, painless radiographic imaging study that allows for measuring bone density or strength.
  6. Create a fall-free environment.

If you have been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, ask your healthcare professional about available treatment options. Treatment options are available for both prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

If you have questions, concerns or have recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis, Summa Health can help. To get started with booking an appointment, select a location nearest you or call 800.237.8662 today for assistance.

Summa Health System is one of the largest integrated healthcare delivery systems in Ohio. Encompassing a network of hospitals, community health centers, a multi-specialty physician organization, research and multiple foundations, Summa Health works with each patient, focusing on wellness through regular primary care visits and health screenings and personalized specialty care. 


About the Author

Vitality eNews Sign Up

Receive the Summa Health eNewsletter for the latest health tips, advice and updates.

Related Blogs

View all Flourish Blogs

Torn Rotator Cuff? Try These 4 Non-Surgical Treatments That Really Work

Do you feel a dull ache deep in your shoulder that worsens at night or with particular arm movements? Do you have weakness when lifting or rotating your arm above your head? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you might be dealing with a torn rotator cuff.

The rotator cuff is a series of muscles and tendons that keeps the shoulder joint stable, while allowing the arm to rotate. Rotator cuff injuries are very common and increase with age. Injury, degeneration or…

Putting Your Best Foot Forward This Summer

As the weather gets warmer, more and more people will be outside participating in a range of summer activities, from sports to hikes and even gardening. While this is certainly good for your health, summer can also lead to a number of foot and ankle injuries.

Ankle Sprains

A sprained ankle occurs when the ankle rolls towards the outside of the foot, most often during physical activity, and it is one of the most common foot injuries. While a mild sprain is often nothing to…

Sports Injury? Check Out 5 Non-Surgical Treatments That Offer Quicker Recoveries

A sports injury can be scary, especially if you're facing surgery that could keep you sidelined for weeks, if not months.

Fortunately, surgery isn't always the best option when you suffer an injury from playing a sport, exercising, or participating in recreational activities. A wide range of non-surgical treatments are available today that effectively treat muscle pain, joint pain, and lack of mobility. 

A sports injury encompasses the musculoskeletal system, including…

Treatment Options for a Lumbar Herniated Disc [Podcast]

Pain and symptoms from a spinal lumbar herniated disc can be easily mistaken by patients. Summa Health neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Hartzfeld answers some of the most commonly asked questions about treatment for lumbar herniated disc.

5 Ways to Reduce Joint Pain and Stiffness This Winter Season

Do frigid temperatures cause slow, achy joints that make it difficult for you to get moving? It’s not just your imagination. People living with joint pain related to conditions, such as: arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or fibromyalgia, often report when temperatures drop, their joint pain acts up. 

It’s true, cold weather causes muscles to tense, which can lead to less mobility and flexibility in the joints. Some studies also associate joint pain with…

How Strong Are Your Bones? Get the Facts on Osteoporosis

How strong are your bones? You may have no idea until you break one doing some mundane activity, such as bumping into furniture, coughing or sneezing.

Osteoporosisis a bone disease that occurs when your body breaks down more bone than it creates. Bone is living tissue that is constantly broken down and replaced. The disease causes your bones to become weak and brittle, and breaking a bone doing seemingly ordinary activities is typically the first sign of osteoporosis.…

Total Joint Replacement Trends: Technology Advances Are Increasing Surgical Rates and Patient Satisfaction

Do you have a bad hip? Achy knees? If you’re suffering from chronic joint pain, a total joint replacement can provide you with a better quality of life that includes less pain, improved motion and strength that you require for an active lifestyle.

Cartilage in joints naturally protects the bones from rubbing together. But when cartilage deteriorates due to injury, aging or disease, such as arthritis or obesity, bones begin rubbing together while in motion. This results…

Shoulder Pain: Causes, Injuries, and Treatment [Podcast]

Dr. Ryan Urchek gives an overview of shoulder pain from common causes, injuries, and treatment options.

An Overview of Osteoporosis: Prevention to Treatment [Podcast]

Natalie Hiltbrand, an Osteoporosis Specialist at Summa Health, leads a discussion on osteoporosis treatment, as well as prevention.

Pelvic health 101: 6 common vulvar disorders

When women experience pain or discomfort in their pelvic region, many times their first thought is the dreaded yeast infection. That’s not a surprise because most women — as many as 75 percent — will be diagnosed at least once with a vaginal yeast infection during their lifetimes.

However, there are vulvar disorders other than yeast —  that can cause similar symptoms, including redness and swelling, intense itching, discolored discharge, blisters…

Addressing Common Pelvic Health Issues [Podcast]

Dr. Megan Cesta and senior physical therapist Amy Senn discuss common pelvic health issues women may experience.

Pain Relief After Total Joint Replacement Surgery: Reducing the Need for Narcotics and Opioids [Podcast]

Healthy VitalsDr. Kiel Pfefferle discusses how Summa Health is moving away from opioids and narcotics as the primary pain relief after joint replacement surgery.

FAQ: Partial knee replacement surgery

If you’re like one in five Americans, you’ll eventually develop arthritis of the knee. This means the cartilage that cushions the bones of your knee begins to degrade, causing those bones to painfully rub together. When that pain becomes too much or restricts activities you once enjoyed, it’s time to talk to your doctor about treatment, including knee replacement surgery.

What’s the difference between a partial and a total knee replacement?

Sometimes…

Does Weather Affect Joint Pain?

Have you ever heard from someone that they can predict when a storm is coming because their joints hurt? It’s pretty common for people to blame joint pain flare-ups on changes on the weather, but scientists and doctors have yet to pinpoint exactly what it is about cold, rainy, or humid weather that makes joints stiff and achy.

Leading Theories

While joint pain isn’t directly correlated with dropping temperatures, the thought is that the change in barometric pressure…

Plantar Fasciitis – It’s Not Just For Runners

If you are a runner, chances are you’ve heard of plantar fasciitis. It’s one of the most common causes of heel pain. However, any job or activity where you are on your feet for long periods of time can put you at risk as well.

An introduction to plantar fasciitis

A thick band of tissue - plantar fascia - connects your heel bone to your toes. This tissue acts as a shock-absorber on the feet. If tension and stress start to cause small tears, this ribbon-like tissue…

[{"RootId":"ba198066-3078-4dcd-8e69-28251bebb940","RootUrl":"/glossary/"}]

Options to Request an Appointment

If your situation is an emergency, call 911.