World Osteoporosis Day - October 20th, 2010 – Spotlight - 'Don't Bend To Osteoporosis' - Recognize The Symptoms To Take Preventive Measures with dietary and exercise recommendations

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World Osteoporosis Day - October 20th, 2010 - Osteoporosis is a common disease affecting the elderly population. A common concern is whether it can be reversed. This article emphasizes the role of exercise and dietary and lifestyle changes which can improve bone density even after osteoporosis has set in.

Osteoporosis – Its never too soon to take preventive action
Case Study
Vicki, a 61 year old postmenopausal woman went to her primary doctor for her annual checkup. She had attained menopause in her early 50ʼs and had been on HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) ever since. She was not suffering from any chronic disease, and considered herself reasonably healthy inspite of drinking several cups of coffee daily, consuming two alcoholic drinks in the evening and being an average smoker. Along with her other routine screening tests the doctor advised her to get a bone density test.

Upon receiving the results Vicki was both shocked and scared as the tests revealed that she was suffering from osteopenia – a condition in which the bone density decreases. If not treated, it would surely lead to osteoporosis - a condition that could result in greater loss of bone mass. Externally, the bones look normal, however, they become more porous from the inside due to the loss of calcium and phosphate. This weakening of the bones makes them more prone to fractures even during routine activities, like walking, standing, or bathing. In some cases, the individual suffers a fracture before becoming aware of the disease. It is a silent disease because it comes with no symptoms. Often a fall with a fracture is what draws the attention of the doctor. Decrease in height, spontaneous fractures and back pain are some of the symptoms.

Often recognised as a disease of the elderly, the highest incidence is found in post menopausal women.

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User Comments

07 December, 2010 | Krutikka | Reply

In your article you have mentioned that the patient Vicki who had attained menopause in her early 50`s was on HRT and yet when she checked her bone status she was osteopenic. How can that be? Isnt HRT meant to help absorb dietary Calcium better?

21 October, 2010 | Manoj-Bhasin | Reply

My mother has osteoporosis - I will pass on this to her after printing. I thank you for this information article.

21 October, 2010 | Shubhra | Reply

My aunt who eats very healthy and still takes a lot of supplements fell last year and had a hairline hip fracture that they fixed with a pin - the pain wouldnt stop and they eventually had to redo the surgery and replace her hip two months ago.
She has osteoporosis and I was wondering if the pin surgery didnt work as well because she had osteoporosis or because she perhaps injured her hip again.

She takes every kind of supplement possible. Do you advise people who eat very healthy and are also very active to take a lot of supplements.

I think she wastes money on so many supplements as she doesnt need them.
We joke about it that she has very expensive urine

07 December, 2010 | Vijayalakshmi Iyengar | Reply

Dear Shubhra,
With regard to your aunts replacement surgery you are right in that either the pin didn’t hold properly the first time or she had injured her hip again.

With regard to supplements she can actually get a macro and micro nutrient break up from her diet, if she registers with us and fills in details about her diet & activity pattern.
If according to you she is taking so many supplements and yet suffers from osteoporosis all the more reason she needs to sit with her doctor/primary physician, discuss with him/her and then decide if any or all are required or not

21 October, 2010 | Anjali Manglik | Reply

I am 37 years old - very active and healthy, but am a little concerned as my mother and her sister and my maternal grandmother all have osteoporosis.
The difference is that my aunt, mom and grandmother are overweight - but I am not. I am also very active.

Am I still at risk?

22 October, 2010 | Sangeetha Narayana Swamy | Reply

Dear Anjali,

Being very thin does not mean that you are not prone to osteoporosis. If you have family history of osteoporosis, then it is better you undergo a DEXA test (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry)once a year to detect any early symptoms. To ensure that you do not become osteoporotic, maintain a healthy and nutritious diet with a good exercise regimen to improve your bone health. Read our article on how to improve your bone health by following this link and practice it - http://www.nutritionvista.com/NutritionBuzz/what-does-it-take-to-improve-your-bone-strength,321.aspx?pId=1

Register with us for a customized diet plan to prevent osteoporosis.

Thank you for your query.

21 October, 2010 | Poonam | Reply

Hello Anjali,
We understand your concern regarding your health. The two things in your favour are your weight and physical activity. If you are careful about your diet as well you should be reasonably well protected against osteoporosis. But, since you have a family history, a bone density test will give you a clear picture of your bone health. Please also discuss this with your physician.

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Tags: Chronic Lifestyle Diseases, Eat Healthy, Exercise and Yoga, Fitness, General health, Healthy Lifestyle, Nutrition, Nutritional Supplements, Osteoporosis, Screening, Sedentary Lifestyle, Seniors Health, Women's Health

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