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Healthy bones make for healthy, happier adults
Osteoporosis, also known as thinning of the bones, puts many adults over 50 years of age at risk.
The disease is invisible until a bone is broken or it is diagnosed by a bone mineral density test. The most common fractures include the wrist and spine and recovery is often difficult. In other cases such as a broken hip, many never recover.
Research shows there are more than 530,000 Ontarians affected by osteoporosis. One of every four women and at least one man out of eight over 50 years old has osteoporosis.
Learning more about the disease is a good first step in reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
General information is available through Osteoporosis Canada (www.osteoporosis.ca) or by calling their toll-free information line at 1-800-463-6842.
If you are over 65, if your mother had a hip fracture, or if you have broken a bone after reaching middle age, you may be at higher risk of osteoporosis.
Early diagnosis is important. Everyone over 65 should have a bone mineral density test; so should younger adults whose background indicates they are at risk for osteoporosis.
Risk reduction and treatment of osteoporosis usually involves calcium supplements, vitamin D and exercise:
* You need almost twice as much calcium every day as a senior than you did when you were a growing child of eight. Calcium helps maintain bone density in adults and reduces the risk of broken bones as we age.
* The best way to get calcium is from food. Health professionals can give you sound advice on various ways of keeping your calcium levels high enough to make sure your bones stay strong.
* Vitamin D helps calcium absorption. During the winter most Canadians will need to take vitamin supplements.
* Weight-bearing exercise also helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Walking, line dancing, low-impact aerobics and racquet sports all qualify because you are carrying the full weight of your body when you do these activities.
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