Preventing Osteoporosis
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Osteoporosis is a leading cause of fractures in the elderly. Sadly it is also a leading cause of death.
Why?
Because many of these falls lead to broken bones including broken hips. A broken hip for an elderly individual can be devastating. The combination of surgery and the need for lengthy recovery can be too much of a challenge for an elderly person's body.
So what can you do to reduce your chances of osteoporosis? Without a doubt the number one thing is eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of calcium. But that's not all.
Studies have shown that cigarette smoking increases the risk as well as not enough exercise. Exercise helps build strong bones and over the years it can have a protective effect.
Osteoporosis is more common in women than in men but it does occur in men. As you get older calcium supplementation, vitamin D and certain medications designed to fight osteoporosis can all help.
There are special tests that can measure bone density and the risk of osteoporosis.
Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor
