Americans are reminded of Osteoporosis Prevention Month

Osteoporosis prevention month bone health skeleton

Awareness efforts are spreading across the country as over half of U.S. adults will be affected by this condition.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation is using Osteoporosis Prevention Month to help to remind people across the United States that over half of them will be affected by this bone condition at some point in their adult lives and that this should be taken very seriously.

The condition can cause a measurable weakening in the bones and can increase the risk of fractures.

The types of breaks that can happen as a result of osteoporosis can lead to disability or could even cause death. Osteoporosis Prevention Month is meant to help to remind people that there are things that they can do to either prevent the onset of the condition or to decrease its impact. According to a Cleveland Clinic doctor, Dr. Chad Deal, who treats patients with the condition, “About 20% of patients who have a hip fracture die within the first year. So, this is not only a disease that causes disability but mortality so, it’s important to evaluate patients with low bone mass and offer the appropriate treatments.”

Recent Osteoporosis Prevention Month estimates say that 1 in 2 women over 50 will break a bone because of the condition.

Osteoporosis prevention month bone health skeletonAmong men, that statistic is 1 in 4 over the age of 50 who will break a bone because of osteoporosis. Broken bones can mean streams of health insurance claims for people seeking care and treatment for pain and mobility issues. It may even require people to move into a nursing home temporarily or permanently.

The disease is preventable with the right health care and bone wellness efforts. Dr. Deal has recommended supplementation of calcium and vitamin D, in combination with regular exercise. The daily calcium intake should be 1,200 milligrams for adults.

While the ideal way to obtain calcium is through food and beverages, but supplements are a great second choice for people who don’t obtain enough of the mineral through their diet. Among the foods that are great sources of calcium are dairy, dark green leafy veggies, and almonds, among others. The hope is that Osteoporosis Prevention Month will help to remind people to take an active role in their bone health.

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