Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones. People with osteoporosis have bones that are weak and break easily
Symptoms
l Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
l Loss of height over time
l A stooped posture
l A bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected
Treatment
A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
An exercise plan
A healthy lifestyle
Medications, if needed
Prevention
Nutrition
A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D helps make your bones strong. Many people get less than half the calcium they need. Good sources of calcium are:
Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese
Foods with added calcium such as orange juice, cereals, and breads
Vitamin D is needed for strong bones. Your body makes vitamin D in the skin when you are out in the sun. Some people get all the vitamin D they need from sunlight. Others need to take vitamin D pills.
Exercise & a Healthy Lifestyle
Exercise helps your bones grow stronger. For detailed information, see page 15.Smoking is bad for bones as well as the heart and lungs. Also, people who drink a lot of alcohol are more prone to bone loss and broken bones due to poor diet and risk of falling.
