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Osteoporosis is a progressive disease of the skeletal system which results in bones that are especially brittle and break more easily than they should. Osteopenia is a precurser to osteoporosis.There is no "cure" but but there are many measures that you can take to prevent, reduce or reverse its course; it's never too late or early to start!
Our bones are constantly undergoing a process of bone growth and bone death. Up to about 30 years of age our bodies are efficient at building the cells to grow bones. For various reasons ie; lack of exercise, genetics, hormonal fluctuations, geography, dietary habits etc...in the late 30's and early 40's the balance shifts and bone death outpaces bone growth.
There may be no warning signs; osteoporosis is a silent thief, stealing the body's structural support system. We need to incorporate simple measures to counteract this attack.
- Exercise-anything that pounds the Earth (like walking/running) and anything that pulls against our bones (like weight resistance)
- Diet: Eat calcium if possible(average 3-4 servings/daily) Take a multiple vitamin daily.
- Vitamin D: I put this separate from diet because it's very hard to get enough from food: Getting about 15 minutes of sunshine on your arms/legs daily (provides 2,000iu/VitD) or take a supplement. This level can be checked with a blood test.
- Lifestyle: avoid smoking,excessive caffiene & alcohol.
- Know the potential side effects from medicines (steroids, anti-anxiety, anitcoagulants, anitconvulsants, antacids).
Please call the office for personal or medical issues. This is for your confidentiality.
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