OSTEOPOROSIS           

What is it?

• a condition in which bones become porous, brittle, and much more predisposed to fracture
• fractures commonly occur in the spine (leading to the "humpback" posture), neck of the femur (thigh bone), and wrists occurring with falls

How's it happen?

• bone mass density decreases with age, particularly among postmenopausal women who have estrogen deficiencies (which is necessary for bone growth)
• vitamin D and calcium deficiencies (which are necessary for bone growth)
• excessive tobacco and alcohol use (which may be associated with increased risk)
• lack of physical activity (weight bearing activity promotes bone growth)

What do you do about it?

    For Prevention:

• balanced diet including vitamin D and calcium
• abstinence from tobacco and limited alcohol consumption
• monitoring normal menstrual cycles and therefore normal estrogen levels
• regular weight-bearing, resistance, balance, and postural activities

    For Treatment:

• in addition to diet modifications, vitamin & mineral supplements or prescription medications may be required
• estrogen therapy to replace hormones lost during menopause
• regular weight-bearing, resistance, balance, and postural activities

Go here to find the right Khazen AthletiKare osteoporosis prevention & treatment program for you!

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