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What OSTEOPOROSIS?

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones becomes fragile and more likely to break.

What do you need to know?

Population at of osteoporosis and osteoporosis fractures

People at higher risk are:

• People with family history of osteoporosis.
• Elderly men and women.
• Postmenopausal women.
• People who do not have adequate calcium throughout life.
• People who have medical conditions associated with accelerated bone loss such as chronic intake of cortisone, hyperthyroidism (excessive secretion of thyroid hormone), and chronic of drugs for epilepsy (convulsion).

Bone density test in indicated in the following individuals:

• 65 years old people and older.
• Patient with fragility fracture.
• Patient on chronic therapy.
• A man with hypogonadism (low levels of male hormones).
• Patient with chronic disease known to increase bone loss.

Symptoms

Osteoporosis is a silent disease until a fracture occurs. It can be manifested by:

• Bone fracture after minor trauma.
• Loss of height.
• Demineralized bone that may be evidenced by X-ray.

Therapeutic measures and Considerations:

• Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D as recommended by your physician.
• Take medications only as prescribed by your physician.
• Quit smoking.
• Follow a regular exercise program, such as walking and running and advised by physician.
• Make sure that you are eating the recommended daily levels dietary calcium and vitamin D.
• Expose yourself to the sun for approximately 15 minutes daily. Vitamin D is synthesized under the influence of the sun.
• Use handrails when available and elevators instead of stairs to prevent falls.
• Use extreme care when getting in and out of the bathtub. Equip your tub with railing.
• Do not left heavy objects.
• Do not push or exert bodily force to move furniture or stubborn objects.
• Do not risk falling by climbing on chairs or stepping ladders to pick up things.
• In you have history of kidney stones, consult your physician before increasing your calcium intake.
• Follow up with your physician on a regular basis.