Osteoporosis is a huge health problem since it affects your bones, which hold up your body! While it is not inevitable, everyone should know some basic facts about it. Read on as we do some debunking of myths related to bone health!
Myth 1: Osteoporosis is not a serious health problem compared to heart disease or cancer
FALSE! Osteoporosis can be a deadly health condition. Osteoporotic bones are at a higher risk of low impact fractures and these fractures can trigger health problems including cardiovascular, neurological and even psychological conditions. Research has shown that only 15% of elderly hip fracture victims resume their initial mobility levels and many will pass on within a year.
Myth 2: I experience pain in my bones and this is surely osteoporosis
You would think so but weirdly enough, an onset of osteoporosis is the one thing you cannot feel through your bones! Your bones are continually restructuring and dissolving; which will reach its peak strength in early adulthood, and often, as bone mass deteriorates in your later years, many will only realize the severity when it’s too late. Fortunately, doctors now can view bone density via scanning to forsee if one is likely to develop osteoporosis and start introducing treatments for best outcomes.
Myth 3: Osteoporosis is only an elderly problem
Yes and no! Loss of height and bone usually happen in old age, but 80% of osteoporosis risks are genetic. So if you have a family history of osteoporosis, it’s best you start building up your bones early! Make sure you have enough Vitamin in your daily meals, get enough sunlight, do resistance based exercises and avoid smoking and too much alcohol.
Myth 4: Osteoporosis only occurs in women
Not true, of course. It may be that bones in men are generally stronger and less susceptible to fractures compared to women. However, for every 4 women with osteoporosis, 1 man will be diagnosed with the disease. Osteoporosis is more common for women because of menopause, whereby women experience a striking decrease in hormone levels.
Myth 5: After being diagnosed with osteoporosis, I should not exercise to prevent further fractures.
This may seem to make sense as exercise puts strain on your bones! However, regular exercise not only prevents osteoporosis, it also decreases the rate of bone loss once it has begun. Exercise is also important for us to improve our balance, avoid falls and strengthen our muscles. The force of muscles pulling against bones stimulates the bone building process so any exercise that places force on a bone will actually help to strengthen it.
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