Osteoporosis
Are you a women over 60 years of age?
Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium, vitamin D or exercise.
Women 60 years and older have a high risk of developing this condition because of the rapid decline in oestrogen levels during menopause. When oestrogen levels decrease, bones lose calcium and other minerals at a much faster rate.
These three simple aspects of your everyday life will help reduce your chance of developing osteoporosis:
Calcium
Calcium is essential for body building and maintaining bone structure.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for bone health as it absorbs calcium and as it supports growth and maintenance of the skeleton.
Exercise
Exercise helps maintain or improve the bone density as well as increasing the size, strength and capacity of the muscles.
Signs and Symptoms
- Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebrae
- Loss of height over time
- A stooped position
- A bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected
For more information:
Refer to the following websites for more information or refer to your doctor: