For many people with osteoporosis, spotting the signs early is a great way to prevent some damage to the body. When you understand your risk for the condition, you can take preventative measures to keep your body in the best shape possible.
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when your body loses too much bone or does not make enough bone. Your body is simply unable to create new bone tissue, which can make bones weak and more prone to breaking with time. For example, even a small injury that would not cause harm to others would significantly impact your body, possibly leading to more broken bones as you age.
What Are the Risks of Osteoporosis?
Many risk factors could make you more susceptible to osteoporosis. The more you know, the more actions you can take to prevent a problem later down the road.
Smoking is one risk factor for osteoporosis. If you smoke, you should consider programs for quitting. Smoking is also a risk factor a number of other diseases and health conditions with long-lasting implications.
Low body weight also puts you at higher risk for this bone condition, especially if you are a woman. Age can have a lot to do with this as well, and women who have gone through menopause are at higher risk for the condition than women who have not. Keep in mind that although the condition is more common in women, it can impact men too.
You should also talk to your doctor about the medications you take. Medications can actually impact your ability to create the necessary bone or to take in the right amount of calcium or magnesium.
Finally, consider the role your diet plays in osteoporosis. Ensure that you are getting enough calcium and magnesium in your body. If you have questions about your diet, consult with your doctor for a better idea of what you need to incorporate daily. You might also talk to your doctor about taking a health supplement.
What Should You Do?
If you have these risk factors for osteoporosis, you need to get screened for the condition. Your doctor may be able to make recommendations based on your risk level, preventing major conditions from developing. Medication can also prevent your health from worsening. Preventative medicine could very well be the reason why you don't break bones as a result of this condition. Speak with professionals like Dr Sanaz Khorrami, M.D. for more information.
Share14 March 2019
