It’s never too late to take care of your bones, especially when osteoporosis is a risk—which it is for many women. You can start right now to avoid getting this bone-weakening condition or help prevent it from getting worse. About 8 million women in the U.S. have osteoporosis, which means “porous bone.” It occurs when the body loses too much bone material, makes too little new bone, or both. The bone’s honeycomb-like structure becomes less dense, which means it can break more easily than healthy bone. This often happens unexpectedly because the disease has no outward symptoms. A fall or a simple bump can lead to a broken hip, backbone (spine), wrist or other bone. Why women are at high risk Older women are most vulnerable to developing osteoporosis. Their estrogen levels, which help protect bone density, decline after menopause. That’s why it’s recommended that women 65 and older get bone mineral density tests to see if they already have the disease or are at risk of getting it. In particular, white and Asian women have the highest chance of developing the disease. Other key factors include a family history of osteoporosis or broken bones after age 50 as well as the following risk factors: DO YOU NEED A BONE DENSITY TEST? Talk to your health care provider about your chance of getting osteoporosis, and ask when you should have a bone density test—a benefit provided to you at no cost by your Kern Legacy Health Plan. We o er virtual care so you can stay home Don't delay your medical care. Call your doctor's o ce to learn if your next appointment can be done virtually. Understand your risk for osteoporosis ● Having early menopause or ovaries removed before menopause. ● Not getting enough calcium or vitamin D— or both—throughout life. ● Not exercising or being on extended bed rest. ● Smoking. ● Taking medications—including medicines for arthritis and asthma or some cancer drugs—that may decrease bone density. ● Having a small body frame. How to prevent osteoporosis or stop it from progressing You can do a lot to help protect your bones: ● Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and stay physically active with weightbearing activities, such as weight training, walking and climbing stairs. ● Stop smoking, if you smoke, and know the risks of alcohol. Both can reduce bone mass. ● Maintain a healthy weight. Being underweight can increase the risk of fracture and bone loss. ● Work with your doctor to assess your risk and options. Your doctor can offer treatment options for rebuilding bone or slowing bone loss. Also, discuss strategies for avoiding bone-loss side effects from drugs you may take for other conditions. Do these things, and your bones will thank you. Nutrition for healthy bones
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQ1MTY=