If you suffer from the sweltering heat of midsummer, your whole body sags. Bones that support the human body and protect organs are no exception. Weakened bones are broken even by a small impact, not simply broken, but broken into pieces due to weak bone density. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of osteoporotic patients with decreased bone mass and density increased from 906,631 in 2017 to 1,126,861 in 2021. 40% of women over the age of 50 and 10% of men have osteoporosis.
Osteoporotic fractures from falls are as common in summer as in winter. When it rains and the floor gets wet, it is more slippery than an icy road, making it easy for young people to slip as well. Older people who lose their sense of balance as they get older are more at risk. In particular, the reason why many fall accidents occur in the summer is because of the shoes. Sandals or slippers can become slippery, and the shoes do not support the bones, so fractures occur frequently following a fall. As we get older, osteoporosis occurs as there are more cells that destroy bones than cells that make bones. If you do not get a good night’s sleep, a hormone called calcitonin decreases, and calcitonin functions to inhibit bone resorption by osteoclasts. Alcohol found in tropical nights is also harmful. It is thought to help sleep, but it interferes with deep sleep and the diuretic effect of alcohol causes water loss. Bone is composed of 45% calcium and minerals, 34% protein, and 20% water, so if there is a problem of hydration in summer, it affects bone health.
In fact, osteoporosis has no obvious prognostic symptoms. Prevention of fractures due to osteoporosis is the top priority, but first check the grip strength.
In order to have a strong grip, the strength of the muscles holding the bones must be good, and muscle health is closely related to bone health. If it is difficult to open the fruit jam container or turn the doorknob, it is a sign that the grip strength is weak. Hearing is also a sign that bones are weakening with aging. When the bones that make up the cochlea of the ear become weak, they break down and affect sensory nerve cells, increasing the risk of hearing loss. Gradual hearing loss is a natural symptom of aging. It is also associated with periodontal disease. When other bones are weak, the gum bone also weakens, causing periodontal disease. In addition, if your height has decreased over the past 3 years or your toenails are broken frequently, you should suspect that it is a symptom of weakened bones.
Kim Tae-hyeon, director of Orthopedic Surgery at Mokdong Himchan Hospital, said, “People who are underweight are more likely to develop osteoporosis than those of normal weight, and those who lack exercise are also at high risk. “Efforts should be made to prevent the risk of fractures by supplying sufficient minerals and vitamin D,” he said.
Calcium and vitamin D deficiency leads to osteoporosis because the body can compensate by decomposing bones when there is not enough calcium. Calcium is best obtained through food. Dairy products such as anchovies and milk, seaweed, etc., and protein-rich meals that help bone formation are recommended. Taking calcium supplements is okay if you have osteoporosis, but you should be careful if you have other diseases.
According to the Korean Society of Bone Metabolism, supplementation of calcium through calcium supplements helps to improve bone density, but increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. High-dose calcium supplements are a problem. When calcium builds up in the blood vessels, the blood vessels become hard and block blood flow, which can worsen cardiovascular disease. Therefore, if you have a chronic disease, it is necessary to consult with your doctor before taking calcium from food or taking calcium supplements. Vitamin D supplementation should also be taken care of. Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus, and for the formation and maintenance of bones. Sun exposure naturally produces vitamin D, but as we age, our ability to synthesize decreases, so supplements can be effective. Above all, bones need external stimulation to become stronger. You should try to do exercises that feel gravity, such as easy walking or lifting dumbbells.
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