What is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that leads to fragile bones, higher risk of bone fractures, specifically hip, spine, and wrist. The disease is typically decreased bone mass and a deterioration of bone tissue, which is actually structural.



Osteoporosis Symptoms:

&bullChronic dull pain in lower back or neck

&bullLoss of height and stooped posture.

&bullA curved upper back (dowager's hump).

&bullBroken bones (fractures) that might occur with a minor injury, especially in the hip, spine, and wrist.

Prevention

Building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can be the best defense against developing osteoporosis later. The average woman has acquired 98% of her skeletal mass by age 30.

There are 4 steps to prevent osteoporosis (No one step along is enough to prevent osteoporosis):

&bullA balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D

&bullWeight-bearing exercise

&bullA healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive alcohol intake

&bullMedication to improve bone density when appropriate.

Please share the content of these articles with your friends, family and colleagues. Reprint rights granted. All reprints must include a link to www.ihdistribution.com. Content may not be altered and articles must be used as distributed by IH Distribution, LLC

Copyright © IH Distribution LLC 2004