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Osteoporosis: Not Just An Elderly Disease
 It
used to be that osteoporosis was considered a disease that
affected only the elderly. We particularly associated osteoporosis
with older women whose backs were slightly hunched over
or those who could no longer stand up straight. Today, the
truth is that an estimated 20 million American women suffer
from osteoporosis, and 80 percent of them don't even know
it.
Osteoporosis is a chronic, progressive condition that steals
bone from the body, leading to fractures of the hip, spine
and wrist. Older people can suffer disability and even death
from osteoporosis-related fractures. Alarmingly, one in
two women and one in eight men will suffer from an osteoporosis-related
fracture in his or her lifetime.
Many people confuse osteoporosis with arthritis, and wait
for swollen joints and discomfort before being tested. Even
though osteoporosis is painless until a bone fracture occurs,
it is important to find out how healthy your bones are now
and if need be, adjust your lifestyle to avoid this brittle
bone disease.
The American Chiropractic Association recommends the following
tips to maintain healthy bones.
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Start a regular exercise program.
Walking, skipping rope, jogging, playing racquet sports,
swimming and aerobics are all helpful in reducing the
risk of osteoporosis. Exercising for 20 minutes, three
times a week, is helpful.
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Although weight lifting exercises
are generally recommended, the National Osteoporosis Foundation
says those suffering from osteoporosis should consult
their health care practitioner before beginning a weight
lifting program because excessive strain on the bones
could result.
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Those with severe osteoporosis and
who have suffered from fractures may find Tai Chi, a form
of martial arts, to be a beneficial strength training
exercise system.
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People suffering from osteoporosis
should be careful when bending and lifting heavy objects,
including grandchildren. Bend from the knees, not the
waist, when lifting, and try to avoid hunching while sitting
or standing.
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Be sure to include calcium in your
daily diet. The National Institutes of Health's recommendations
are 1,000 mg/day for post-menopausal women taking estrogen;
1,500 mg/day for postmenopausal women not taking estrogen,
and 1,500 mg/day for men and women over 65 years of age.
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If you are looking for a calcium supplement,
try one that's highly absorbable, such as microcrystalline
hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC), or one of the malates,
fumarates, succinates, glutarates, or citrates. But don't
overdo it. Taking more than the recommended amount of
calcium may cause kidney stones.
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Consider taking additional nutritional
supplements, such as vitamin D, C, magnesium, zinc and
silica after consulting with your doctor of chiropractic.
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Eat a healthy, balanced diet, including
fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds. Try broccoli,
kale, collard greens, cabbage and turnip greens. Experiment
with tofu, salmon, sardines and grains. Low-fat milk and/or
yogurt are good sources of calcium. (A glass of low-fat
milk and a cup of yogurt adds 600 mg of calcium to your
daily diet.)
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Drink 8 eight-ounce glasses of water
a day (herb teas, juices and coffee are not a substitute
for water.) Avoid caffeine, carbonated sodas, alcohol,
baked goods and junk food.
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Watch your animal protein intake.
Talk
to Dr. Pazdel about ways to improve the health of your
bones. As a Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Pazdel is trained
to treat patients of all ages and can help people suffering
from osteoporosis lead healthier lives.
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Providing
Gentle Chiropractic Care
for All Ages and Life Styles
258
Sunset Avenue Suisun City,
California (707) 429-4861
5030 Business Center Drive Fairfield, California (707) 863-9001
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