World Osteoporosis Day

Private Home Care shares that today is World Osteoporosis Day. This important day is dedicated to raising awareness of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease in which the density and strength of the bone are reduced. Osteoporosis renders bones so frail and brittle that any slight action including even a sneeze or a fall can be life-threatening, causing long lasting pain and discomfort from entire bone breaks and fractures.

Private Home Care is passionate about supporting this cause because it impacts seniors, especially women. In the United States and Europe, 30% of all menopausal women have osteoporosis. A vast majority of these women are likely to experience at least one bone fracture during their later years. Once a fracture occurs, it increases the likelihood of having another. Common fractures caused by osteoporosis include vertebral fractures, hip fractures, and wrist fractures. Fractures and broken bones may create challenges for aging at home. Fortunately, our highly skilled caregiving and years of experience lend us the expertise to support those with osteoporosis. In addition, our Fall Prevention and Home Safety Assessment and Services help to stop injuries before they happen to help protect your loved ones. Private Home Care’s attentive, compassionate caregivers and wide institutional knowledge ensures that elderly individuals can comfortably and safely age in place.

White and Asian women, especially those past menopause, are at the highest risk of getting osteoporosis. Other people are at risk of getting this degenerative bone disease. These people include those with a family history of the disease and men and women with smaller body frames. People who do not get enough calcium, and those who have had gastrointestinal surgery are also more prone to getting osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis affects over 200 million people in the world. Because of its prevalence, osteoporosis is considered a significant public health concern. One of the most important tools for preventing or monitoring osteoporosis is checking bone density. Bones that are less dense are more liable to easily break or fracture at sudden movement or during minor falls. One World Osteoporosis Day, bone density tests are available all over the world. There is no cure for osteoporosis. Once bone loss occurs, it’s not possible to get it back. This is why prevention is the best medicine. And as we know at Private Home Care, the best prevention for any illness or disease is through a healthy diet. A key nutrient for strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis is calcium. It is critical especially for at risk populations, such as white and Asian women with petite body frames, to get adequate amounts of calcium. Foods rich in calcium include:

-Low-fat dairy products

-Almonds and almond milk

-Dark leafy green vegetables

-Canned salmon or sardines with bones

-Calcium-fortified orange juice

-Soy beans

Another way to prevent osteoporosis is to practice weight-bearing activities, such as walking, dancing, and aerobics. Getting enough Vitamin D is also essential. Foods rich in Vitamin D include:

-Fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, and salmon

-Foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cereals

-Beef liver

-Cheese

-Egg yolks