How Strong Are Your Bones? Let’s Break Down Osteoporosis, The Silent Threat To Skeletal Health

COURTESY PHOTO

Since 1997, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has endeavored to place a spotlight on the bone-weakening disease osteoporosis and its precursor, osteopenia, by designating a day in October as World Osteoporosis Day. This theme for 2023 was “Build Better Bones,” with the goal of urging health care organizations and policymakers to create more avenues to prevent, diagnose and treat these conditions, which affect one in three women and one in five men. In America, about 54 million people suffer from osteopenia, osteoporosis or low bone mass, which place them at increased risk for hip, spine, wrist and other bone breaks.

Bone is a living tissue, made of minerals, and is constantly renewing, with older cells breaking down as newer ones are produced. While the outer shell is hard and easily seen in x-rays, the inside is spongy and under a microscope resembles a honeycomb. Found most often in postmenopausal women, osteoporosis and osteopenia occur when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone or both. The spaces in the honeycomb become much larger than in healthy bone, evidence that the mineral density is dangerously low. Over time,  the bones weaken and become susceptible to breaks. In addition to fractures, osteoporosis can cause some to lose height, as it can affect the spine and lead to a stooped posture.

Considered a silent disease by many physicians, osteoporosis often goes undetected until a fracture occurs. Despite the prevalence of these conditions, especially among older men and women, the IOF estimates that only 20 percent of people who have the potential to suffer from the effects of osteoporosis and osteopenia are being diagnosed and treated. The reason, the IOF says, is not only a lack of awareness, but also a health care infrastructure that lacks facilities dedicated to diagnosis and treatment.

The negative effects of bone loss can be reversed. One approach is taking part in a strength-training program developed to increase bone density. Such a program is offered by OsteoStrong, which has specially developed equipment to strengthen joints, bones and muscles through a process called osteogenic loading.  For those who do not have a nearby OsteoStrong facility. the IOF offer tips to improve bone health and prevent fractures:

• Devote a part of each day to weight-bearing, muscle-strengthening and balance-training exercises.
• Eat a diet rich in bone health nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D and protein. Also, take a daily sunbath for added vitamin D.
• Avoid smoking, excessive drinking and a sedentary lifestyle.
• Educate yourself about osteoporosis and its signs and symptoms.
• Seek testing for the condition and learn treatment options should you be diagnosed.