Osteoporis - Are You At Risk?

Osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease that affects millions of people. As people age, their bones become weaker and lose density resulting in porous bones that can fracture easily, sometimes from a minor fall. Although women are prone to develop osteoporosis with age and if they are postmenopausal, 20 percent of those affected by osteoporosis are men.

Risk Factors You may have noticed that some people have more chances of developing osteoporosis compared to others. The causes that lead to osteoporosis and fractures are called "risk factors."

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis:

• If you're a woman
• If you are elderly
• If you have a small, frail and thin body structure
• If you have a known history of fractures
• If your level of hormones are lower than normal
• Low estrogen levels in postmenopausal women
• Low testosterone levels in men
• If your diet is low in calcium and vitamin D levels
• If you smoke
• If you use certain medications like steroids, chemotherapeutic medicines used for treating cancer, anti-seizure medicines, etc.
• If you have a known disease condition like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease, endocrine disorders (e.g. diabetes), cancer, etc.

Diagnosing Osteoporosis:

Diagnosis:   To test for osteoporosis, your physician will order a specialized test called 'bone density test.' This test is performed in different body parts and helps to identify and diagnose if you have developed osteoporosis. Your doctor can look at the test results and conclude if your bones have weakened and you are likely to fracture your bones when you fall.

What Men Need to Know About Osteoporosis. If you think that men do not get osteoporosis, you are wrong. Men over 50 years are more likely to get osteoporosis and fracture a bone than they are of getting prostate cancer. We earlier discussed some risk factors for osteoporosis and all of these can cause men to get osteoporosis. Getting a bone density test is worth considering. Discuss the issue the next time you visit your doctor. You can make sure your diet has sufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Staying physically active is good for your bones. If you are already diagnosed with osteoporosis, you must avoid excessive motions such as with golf or tennis.

Treatment for Osteoporosis

When your doctor proceeds to treat you for osteoporosis, your treatment will be determined by several factors including your age, sex, severity of osteoporosis, other health problems, your personal preference, etc.

You must verify the side effects of medicines that are prescribed to you to ensure that it does not interfere with any other medication you are taking already.

There is no cure for osteoporosis but the medications can slow or sometimes stop the progress of osteoporosis. Along with prescribed medicines, getting adequate quantities of calcium and vitamin D in your diet are important.

Some of the common medicines for osteoporosis are Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, Reclast, Fortical, and Evista.

In addition to all of the above, a program of weight-bearing and muscle strengthening exercises help to promote bone health.

Osteoporosis Safety

If you or an elderly loved one have osteoporosis there is a higher than normal risk of injuries. Even minor fall related accidents can have devastating effects due to the higher probability of broken bones. The home should be modified to reduce falling accidents and a senior alert device should be installed to get help in the event of an accident or sudden incapacitation.   

Mango Rice Salad with Grilled Shrimp 
This dish teams sweet mangoes with curry-marinated shrimp and crunchy vegetables. Customize the recipe to suit your preferences--try chicken in place of shrimp, or omit the shrimp and serve the salad cold or at room temperature as a side dish. For added flavor, use
basmati or jasmine rice

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 teaspoons curry powder
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 36 shrimp)
• 2 cups water
• 2/3 cup light coconut milk
• 1 1/4 cups uncooked long-grain rice
• 3/4 cup shredded carrot
• 2 cups diced peeled mango (about 2 mangoes)
• 1 1/2 cups diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray
• Cilantro sprigs (optional)

Preparation

• Combine first 6 ingredients in a medium bowl. Add shrimp; toss to coat. Cover and chill 1 hour.
• Bring water and coconut milk to a boil in a medium saucepan; add rice. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Add carrot and next 7 ingredients (through salt); toss gently to combine.
• Prepare grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
• Thread 3 shrimp onto each of 12 (6-inch) skewers. Place skewers on grill rack or grill pan coated with cooking spray; grill 3 minutes on each side or until shrimp are done. Serve skewers over salad. Garnish with cilantro sprigs, if desired.