The Dangers of Osteoporosis as You Age

Osteoporosis is one condition that seniors have to be on the lookout for as they get older. This dangerous disease affects bone density and health, which can lead to grievous injuries in older people. At Matthews Internal Medicine we do our best to warn patients about the dangers of this disease and we have a full osteoporosis prevention program. Here’s how osteoporosis can be dangerous for you as you age.

 

Fracture Risk

This is one of the most obvious issues caused by osteoporosis and bone density loss. An older person suffering from osteoporosis is more likely to fracture or break bones. Even a small fall can mean a hospital visit. This can be inconvenient and inexpensive. It’s also harder to bounce back from such injuries as you get older. As a result, many types of physical activity could even be off limits for patients with osteoporosis.

 

Loss of Mobility

This is a big problem. If you break a bone and can’t move around, you might end up needing a caretaker. This is an expense that some families can’t afford. This is also a problem because staying mobile can help improve general health and bone health. A more sedentary lifestyle is not good for you, and the loss of mobility can also prove frustrating for older folks who are used to being on the move and independent.

 

Your Home Can Become Hazardous

Unfortunately, even becoming a complete home body still can’t prevent all problems for patients with osteoporosis. Things you never noticed in your apartment or house could soon become major hazards. A small step, a tile floor, the wet tub after a shower, and more little things can cause a slip and fall. This means a painful broken or fractured bone. Patients with osteoporosis may need some work done on their home to ensure that they can age in place safely.

 

It’s More Common in Women

We also have to point out that osteoporosis is actually more common in women.. If you’re a woman approaching your fifties, you should talk to your doctor about osteoporosis prevention. This is especially true for any patients who entered early menopause or had a hysterectomy before the age of forty-five. These factors can affect the sex hormones produced by your body, which can affect your odds of developing this disease.

 

How to Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis can be a debilitating disorder, but you can try to prevent it. The keys are your diet and healthy habits. Diets rich in calcium and vitamin D can help improve bone health. You can also cut out certain foods, beverages, and ingredients, including some types of junk food, caffeinated beverages, or alcohol. Getting outside and getting sun is important, as is exercise. Quitting bad habits like smoking can help too.

 

Your Osteoporosis Prevention Team in Matthews, NC

At our office we’ll do everything that we can to help you avoid this debilitating disease. Internists at Matthews Internal Medicine always make preventative medicine their top priority, so see how we can help you start living a healthier lifestyle today.