Osteoporosis disease affects 1 in 3 elderly women, know how to prevent

Osteoporosis is an asymptomatic disease. Because of this it is important that people pay special attention to the health care of their bones. This can prevent the problems associated with bone fractures related to this disease.

Dr. Yuvraj Kumar: The cases of osteoporosis disease are increasing every year across the world. This is a silent disease with no initial symptoms. One in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 are suffering from this disease. It is still difficult to diagnose, but after menopause , those women who have low bone density are more prone to it. Men who have low bone density are also at a similar risk. It is a disease in which the bone breaks due to its own weight. This condition is extremely painful and life-threatening.

The day is celebrated to promote early diagnosis of osteoporosis, its treatment as well as ways to prevent it. Due to this disease the bones become weak. However, it is very difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are not visible until the fracture occurs. Its chances increase with age. As the disease is asymptomatic, it is important that people pay special attention to the health care of their bones in order to prevent the problems associated with bone fractures related to osteoporosis.

Diagnosis of only 20% of total osteoporotic patients

Due to the asymptomatic disease, poor health facilities in many parts of the world and lack of awareness, only 20 percent of the total osteoporotic patients are diagnosed every year. It has been observed that this disease is more common in older women as their bone density decreases by 20 percent after 5-7 years of menopause. World Osteoporosis Day helps to create awareness among people about this disease and encourages people to get their bone density diagnosed and tested early. They are taught about the ways that can help in keeping their bones healthy so as to prevent osteoporosis in the long run.

ways to maintain healthy bones

1. Exercise: Regular exercise keeps your bones and muscles good.

2. Nutrition: Always make sure that your diet is rich in bone-healthy nutrients like calcium, vitamin D and protein.

3. Lifestyle: Avoid bad habits like drinking alcohol and smoking.

4. Testing: If you have a history of osteoporosis in your family, get yourself tested to know if you are at risk.

5. Treatment: If you are at risk of getting this disease, then you will need to change your lifestyle and take medicine.

If you are over 50 years of age and are at risk of developing osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about this and get your bone health checked. In view of its risk, lifestyle changes can be advised and those who are at high risk can also be given medicine.

(The author is an expert in Orthopedic, Joint Replacement and Sports Injury at Accord Super Specialty Hospital, Faridabad.)