Osteoporosis is a multifactorial bone disease. The prevalence of osteoporosis has been increasing in recent years; 1 in 5 elderly people over the age of 60 in Taiwan suffer from osteoporosis. The bones of normal people are composed of many densely arranged trabeculae, while the bones of patients with osteoporosis appear hollow, which is like being eaten away by insects and bitten off. People suffering from osteoporosis have relatively hollow bones, so the degree of stress is significantly reduced. Minor accidents, such as accidentally falling while walking, may cause fractures.
Follow-up studies have shown that each hip fracture patient with osteoporosis is three times more likely to have another fracture in the future than the general population. In addition, the mortality rate of patients is as high as 15-30% within one year of fracture. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the incidence and mortality of osteoporotic fractures. It is worth noting that osteoporosis does not degenerate normally. Not only the elderly should pay attention, but certain young groups may also suffer from osteoporosis.
risk factors for osteoporosis
Risk factors include: age, gender, race, lifestyle, and own disease, and people with risk factors should undergo bone density testing to find out if they have osteoporosis.
Postmenopausal or early menopause women, and women who have undergone oophorectomy due to disease, experience substantial bone loss due to reduced estrogen.
Older or male hormone-deficient men.
Have a family history of osteoporosis.
Long-term smoking, drinking, taking steroids, anti-epileptic drugs (Dilantin), and anticoagulants (Heparin), etc.
Lack of exercise, or long-term bedridden patients, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
Suggested ways to maintain bone health
Once osteoporosis is diagnosed, in addition to drug treatment, nutrition, exercise, and prevention of bone loss are also recommended.
Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
According to age, daily intake of adequate calcium 1200 mg.
Ensure adequate intake of vitamin D. The International Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that adults over the age of 50 should consume 800 IU per day. Vitamin D supplements are only needed if adequate amounts are not available in the diet.
Regularly engage in weight-bearing exercise to make bones and muscles resist gravity, such as walking, jogging, stair climbing, weightlifting, etc. At the same time, it is also necessary to evaluate whether it is necessary to reduce the sports that require torque such as golf, tennis or basketball.
Discuss with your doctor whether your current medications can cause osteoporosis (eg, glucocorticoids).
Health check-up is to do a physical examination under the condition of asymptomatic health, to detect diseases or potential risk factors early, and then to cure or delay the fatal cause. Health assessment can be done to determine whether there is a potential disease, so as to detect and treat it early, to reduce the probability of disease exacerbation, and to understand self-body functions, and then adopt correct daily routines, eating habits, etc. to ensure health.
In terms of bone health, to know if you have osteoporosis and to confirm whether your body has enough vitamin D, the health management center of our hospital provides a complete bone density and blood vitamin D concentration test. If you want to know regarding your bone density, please go to the website of the center to inquire regarding a variety of packages, or please contact the health management center of our hospital.
Prevention is more important than cure. Take some time to take care of your body. “Health is a habit” needs to be practiced. The sooner you can develop the habit of regular health check, protect yourself and your family, plus a healthy lifestyle, the better your health will be. Easy to own.
