Wednesday 2 September 2015

Osteoporosis


Osteoporosis
 
1.      What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a common medical condition which leads to the thinning of bones so that bones become weak and brittle and prone to fractures.  Osteoporosis is found mainly in middle aged and elderly women after menopausal.
2.      Why do women get osteoporosis?
Women at greatest risk of osteoporosis are those who:
·        Are of Caucasian or Asian racial origins.
·        Are thin and slight.
·        Heavy cigarette smokers.
·        Heavy alcohol drinkers.
·        Heavy coffee drinkers.
·        Get little exercise and highly sedentary.
·        Lack of calcium in their diet.
·        Menopausal which leads to low hormone levels.
·       Take steroid or corticosteroid medications.

3.      What tests can be done to find out osteoporosis?
Most women do not know that they have osteoporosis. It is often first found out when a bone breaks, usually in the hips, wrists or spine.  A simple X-ray may give us some basic information about osteoporosis, especially if the bone loss is reaching 50%. The best test for osteoporosis is the DEXA bone densitometry scan of the spine and neck or femur.  Your doctor can organise these tests for you when you see them.
4.      What can you do if you have osteoporosis?
·      Take regular weight bearing exercise, such as brisk walking for 30 minutes, 4 times a week.
·      Stop smoking and cut down your alcohol and coffee intake to healthy moderation.
·     Have enough calcium intake in your diet:  1000-1500 mg a day and 1500 mg if you are menopausal.  Eat calcium rich food, such as milk, yoghurt, cheese, fish, citrus fruits, sesame and sunflower seeds, almonds, Brazil nuts and hazelnuts.
·       Vitamin D supplement.
·       Medications are available for osteoporosis and can be prescribed by your doctors.
·    Please see your doctor regularly so that he or she can assess your risk for osteoporosis, organising appropriate tests and discussing your diet, calcium supplement, vitamin D supplement, hormone tablets and other medications that are available for the treatment for your osteoporosis.
5.      How can falls be prevented?
Falls tend to cause fractures in people with osteoporosis.  They can be prevented by:
·         Removing loose or worn carpets and scatter rugs.
·         Wearing low heel shoes.
·         Holding onto hand rails when using stairs.
·         Installing safety bars in the bathroom.
·         Using night lights to provide better visibility.
·         Being careful with taking medications, such as sleeping medications.
·        Having good eye sight and maintaining regular eye check-ups with
your optometrists for glasses.

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