Osteoporosis

I want to share some important information about Osteoporosis in females. First we need to understand that what actually Osteoporosis is.
Osteoporosis is a weakening of the bones due to the loss of bone density and improper bone formation.

The major role played in bone density is by one important, hard to digest mineral named Calcium.
Calcium is a mineral that, even before birth, plays a significant role in almost all our body functions, including the development and health of our teeth and bones, and ultimately in protecting the body against debilitating bone loss as we age.

Generally, osteoporosis affects all the bones in the body. But in females it affects commonly on the hip, wrist, and spine, also called vertebrae. Vertebrae support your body, helping you to stand and sit up.
Vertebrae can cause major problem for women. A fracture in this area can occurs even from daily activity such as bending forward, lifting heavy objects, climbing stairs etc.

Now we will learn the signs of Osteoporosis:

1. Back Pain
2. Bent shoulder
3. Curve in the back
4. Protruding abdomen
5. Hunched poster
6. You are over age 45 or a post-menopausal and you break a bone

The things we need to check:

• Having a family history of osteoporosis
• Being over 65 years old
• Not getting your period (if you should be getting it)
• Having anorexia nervosa
• Long-term use of certain medicines, including:
1. Glucocorticoids  - medicines used to treat many illnesses, including arthritis, asthma, and lupus
2. Some antiseizure medicines
3. Gonadotropin - releasing hormone — used to treat endometriosis
4. Antacids with aluminum — the aluminum blocks calcium absorption
5. Some cancer treatments
6. Too much replacement thyroid hormone

• Habit of smoking
• Alcohol drinking
• Diet of low dairy products (calcium)
• Not getting enough exercise

You need to get your bone density check, if you are above 45 years of age and had a fracture. You can go for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) test. For this please consult your doctor.
Prevention is always better than cure. So, if you are below 45 years than start taking care of your body.



Have calcium rich diet: You can get calcium through foods and/or calcium pills, which you can get at the grocery store or drug store. All dairy products are rich in calcium such as fat free yogurt, milk, tofu, spinach, canned white beans. Calcium is hardest mineral to digest. You should go for calcium check, so that it will ensure that how much calcium is required by your body.
You should know that how much calcium you need each day:

• In the age between 9 to 18 years: 1300 mg per day
• In the age between 19 to 51 years: 1000 mg per day
• In the age between 51 and above: 1200 mg per day

Have daily dose of vitamin D: It is important to get enough vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium from the food you eat. Vitamin D is produced in your skin when it is exposed to sunlight. You need 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight, two to three times a week to make enough vitamin D. You can also get vitamin D by eating foods, such as milk, or by taking vitamin pills.
Regular exercise: We all have exercise at least three days in a week to have a healthy life. Females are prone to such disease after pregnancy. So you take extra care of your self. Practice yoga such as bow asana in your day-to-day life.
Right Posture: You should have correct sitting and standing posture. Proper back support as you sit on chair, should not slouch. Always bend your knees and than pick any object. Do not stand with an awkward, drooping posture.