Protect Your Bones with Healthy Habits

It is estimated that approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million Americans have low bone mass, which puts them at an increased risk for osteoporosis.  People may be unaware they have the disease until they fall and fracture a bone as osteoporosis does not exhibit any clear signs or symptoms. While the disease affects both men and women, older white and Asian women (especially those post-menopausal) are at the highest risk.  Studies show one in every two women and up to one in four men age 50 years or older will break a done due to disease. Furthermore, injuries can lead to serious complications and twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year of surgery. Many others require long-term care.  

The National Osteoporosis Foundation says it is never too late to take steps to protect our bones and prevent fractures (broken bones), and urge us to take action by adopting health habits that build and protect our bones.  One step is to eat a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables as well as calcium and vitamin D. Exercising regularly is another important component and should include weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises.  Also avoid smoking and limit alcohol to 2-3 drinks per day. 

An early diagnosis can also make a difference as osteoporosis is a disease that can be treated as well as prevented.  A safe and painless procedure called a bone mineral density (BMD) test uses a special machine to measure bone density.  It tells you the amount of bone mineral you have in a certain area of bone and can be done on different bones in your body such as hip, spine, forearm, etc.  In addition, common health conditions including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis, breast and prostate cancer, and diabetes can increase you chance of getting osteoporosis.   

If you are looking for senior living in the Fountain Hills, AZ area we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Fountain Hills.  Our community has 63 graciously-appointed assisted living suites, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans as well as another 28 memory care suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Please see our website for more information.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Source: nof.org/preventing-fractures/prevention/