Osteoporosis is a term many of us millennials have probably heard, but few of us are actually privy to what it means.
Osteoporosis is the breakdown of calcium in our bones, which makes fractures more likely to occur. The disease has been said to be a “silent killer”, because most of the time individuals aren’t aware they have the disease until a bone has actually broken.
Osteoporosis tends to affect adults over 50 years of age, as bone density tends to decrease in that range. Women are two times more likely to develop the disease than men.
While there is no cure, there are ways to prevent and treat the disease:
1. Ensure that you are acquiring the proper daily amounts of vitamin D and calcium. (especially if you’re under 18)
2. Resistance training and regular exercise will help maintain the vitality of the bones.
3. Quit smoking and don’t drink more than one alcoholic beverage per week.
4. Get a bone density test from your healthcare provider.
Did you know that May is National Osteoporosis Awareness month?
courtesy of Mario Trucillo, Managing Editor of The American Recall Center
If you or someone you know is at risk for osteoporosis, talk to a healthcare provider about getting a bone density test.
