Osteoporosis is quite a debilitating disease that makes bones brittle and crack under slight pressure. The unfortunate part for those who suffer under osteopenia or osteoporosis is that there are no external symptoms until there is an accident and ultimate fracture or broken bone that determine that they, too, have fallen victim to it like one in five women who are in the postmenopausal stages in the United States alone. Osteoporosis cannot be cured fast. Though there are medications that help build bone density, they are way too expensive for an average earner to retiree to be able to afford. Also, the effects of the medication last 2 years at best, and the cycle has to be repeated all over again.
No matter what an individual is going through, it is of utmost importance to stay mentally strong. Having a positive attitude and one where you still feel larger than the disease you are going through will help you cope with it and fight it well enough. Also, you need support around you. Whether it is in the form of near and dear ones or neighbours, someone needs to be there to lend a hand. If you do not know anyone personally, there are various external support groups for osteopenia and osteoporosis so you never feel alone and there are others to share their stories as well.
A key to finding out if you’re at risk of contracting osteopenia or osteoporosis, is to look at family history. Does your mother or any other close female relative suffer from this bone disease? If so, try to detect it early by voluntarily seeking a bone density test that will be able to tell you whether it is normal or below par. If so, start taking precautions and learn to live a healthier lifestyle early on.
Part of living a better lifestyle is to indulge in a lot of exercise. If you are not the kind who hits the gym, then it is a good thing because you can catch some sunlight that is rich in vitamin D and also work up a sweat through a number of ways. While brisk walking the ultimate way to build up strong bones, there are loads of other activities like sports and swimming that strengthen your core. Do not hesitate to be active in your daily life because it will prevent a number of other diseases from occurring later on in life like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and the like.
Diet is also important in fighting osteopenia or osteoporosis. Why? Because they say you are what you eat. Avoid a lot of sodium as well as processed foods and mostly eat fresh produce and those foods that are rich in calcium. Drink plenty of fresh water and avoid carbonated drinks because just like they erode enamel of the teeth, they also slowly shave off the surface of your bone, thus decreasing its density.
Overall, live a clean life. Avoid smoking as nicotine, though addictive, does nothing good for the body, including your bones. Any medication that you might be taking should be cross-checked with your doctor to determine if their side-effects include decreasing estrogen and testosterone, both of which are important for bone health.
Prevention is better than cure and the earlier you start taking care of yourself and watching for signs of bone issues, the better it will be for your future.
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