Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention
May is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month and at NP Women’s Health we provide care for women with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Kelly Cole and Sarah Tucker are Fracture Liaison Certified providers and would love to discuss bone health with you!
Women aged 65 and older, and some younger women with risk factors, should be screened for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease which makes the bones weak and fragile, leading to an increased risk of breaking a bone. Fractures or breaks can lead to loss of mobility and loss of independence. Bone breaks associated with osteoporosis are most likely to occur at the hip, spine, or wrist.
Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because you can not feel your bones weakening. Studies suggest that approximately one in two women age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis and women are twice as likely to get osteoporosis than men.
It is important to know your risk for osteoporosis so steps can be taken to prevent a fracture. Certain risks factors can not be changed such as age, female gender, menopause, family history, and body type. However, there are many risk factors that are in your control such as nutrition, exercise, and healthy living. We want to empower you with the information to protect your bones and preserve your independence. Basic steps to maintain bone health include:
Get the calcium and vitamin d you need every day
Do regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises
Don’t smoke and don’t drink too much alcohol
Talk to your healthcare provider about your chance of getting osteoporosis and when to get a bone density test
Take an osteoporosis medication when it’s right for you.
Give us a call to schedule an appointment to review your risks and discuss if a bone density screening is appropriate for you.
