Data revealed at the 2006
World Congress on Osteoporosis revealed that osteoporosis … or "brittle bone
disease'' as it was once more commonly referred … now affects approximately
44 million men and women older than 50. Unfortunately, the disease often
goes undiagnosed until a fracture occurs.
"The good news is that osteoporosis is a very preventable and treatable
disease,'' said Marjorie Bissinger, a personal trainer with a practice in
Parsippany. "It's very important that seniors talk to their doctors in order
to get a bone density test, or densitometry, which determines whether or not
you are susceptible to broken bones.''
A bone density test is a very quick and noninvasive test. If you have the
recognized risks of osteoporosis … including a family history of the
disease, a history of fractured bones, or a thin or frail body frame … you
should be tested to establish a baseline bone density measure. Subsequent
densitometry tests will determine how much … if any … bone loss has
occurred.
To prevent osteoporosis, Bissinger recommends the following: "Exercise is
very important. Especially weight-bearing exercise like walking, dancing and
climbing stairs. A long list of published studies have shown that resistance
exercises strengthens the muscles and bones, especially if done routinely …
two or three times a week for 20 to 30 minutes.''
Executive Health Exams International has joined with the American Physical
Therapy Association to forge a campaign to increase awareness of
osteoporosis and the steps that can be taken to prevent the disease.
"Osteoporosis is, unfortunately, a prevalent disease associated with
aging,'' said Marilyn Moffat, a full professor of physical therapy at New
York University, where she directs the professional doctoral program and the
post-professional graduate master's degree program in pathokinesiology.
"Osteoporosis may cause fractures of the hip, wrist and vertebra, among
other areas. Recovering from these fractures can be a long and complex
process, with possible life-threatening
complications.''
Bissinger suggests a three-pronged approach to osteoporosis prevention:
"First, you should incorporate exercise into your diet.
"Second, you should incorporate proper nutrition … including calcium,
vitamin D and nutritious foods (such as milk, broccoli and yogurt).
"The third leg is medical management. Talk to your doctor about whether some
of the new osteoporosis drugs on the market might be advantageous. Studies
have shown that in many cases, these drugs (such as Fosamax, Actonel or
Boniva) are very effective. But prevention is key. There's a huge
correlation between keeping active and maintaining bone density.''
*The purpose of this page and linked
pages is to answer common questions for health problems as well as to present unique ideas
towards taking care of your health. The ideas, procedures and suggestions are not
intended as a substitute from the medical advice of a trained health professional.
All matters regarding our health require medical supervision. Consult your physician
before adopting the suggestions in this book, as well as about any condition that may
require diagnosis or medical attention. The authors disclaim an liability arising directly
or indirectly from the use of techniques described here.
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