Osteoporosis: Don't Be Broken

Posted April 14, 2019

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.