The word osteoporosis means “porous bone.” It’s a disease that occurs when the body’s bone mass decreases, doesn’t make enough bone, or both, which causes the bones to become weak and brittle. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), approximately 10 million Americans currently have the condition, with another 43 million at risk for the disease due to low bone density.
We can’t actually feel our bones getting weaker as we age, however, most people discover they have osteoporosis after a fracture when the pain becomes chronic. Complicating matters, osteoporosis greatly increases your chances of a fracture, even from a minor event like bumping into furniture.
May has been designated National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month with the intention of promoting good bone health through the prevention, detection and treatment of osteoporosis. Throughout the month, people are encouraged to understand why they might be at risk for the disease, as well as what preventative measures can be taken for improving bone health.
The first step in osteoporosis prevention is understanding the risk factors for getting the disease. These risk factors include:
Stick to a routine. Humans thrive on routine, and setting a schedule for eating every day can help increase your appetite. Designate times not only for meals but also for snacking to get your body used to a daily routine.
Everyone can take measures to ensure they’re decreasing their chances for osteoporosis. The NOF recommends these five steps to start improving your bone health and preventing the onset of osteoporosis:
The Copeland Community Center at Advent Christian Village supports our members’ healthy lifestyles. Use the fitness facilities to not only improve your strength and flexibility but also help decrease your risk for osteoporosis and other chronic conditions. We invite you to contact us to schedule a personal, guided tour so you can see all that ACV has to offer.
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