Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to get weak and brittle, resulting in increased likelihood of falls and fractures. It is often known as “the silent thief” because, in the early stages, bone loss occurs without symptoms.
Bone is a living tissue, constantly renewing and replacing itself. But when the creation of the new bone does not keep up with the replacement of the old bone, osteoporosis is likely to occur. No single cause for this disease has been identified, although there are numerous risk factors that weigh in on bone weakening due to osteoporosis. There are some that are out of your control, such as your gender, age, body frame and family history. But there are other factors over which you have varying degree of control. These include hormone levels, the type of medication you take, and your nutrition and lifestyle choices.
Low calcium intake and sedentary lifestyle are the two culprits you can do something about right away. Fractures from osteoporosis, particularly of the hip, spine, wrist and shoulder, are more common than heart attack, stroke and breast cancer combined. Osteoporosis Canada identifies that at least 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will suffer from an osteoporotic fracture during their lifetime.
How Can Dorval Physiotherapy and Wellness Help You?
In June 2014, Canadian Physiotherapy Association advised that Osteoporosis Canada unveiled Too Fit to Fracture, exercise program recommendations for individuals with osteoporosis or osteoporotic vertebral fracture. People with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia, and those at risk of developing it, can prevent bone loss, fractures and falls by combining specific types of exercises that combine muscle strengthening and balance training.
Many Canadians with osteoporosis avoid exercise because they are afraid of falling. Knowing that the programs have been designed with these guidelines in mind will also help individuals remove barriers to exercise.
“With the release of this work, Osteoporosis Canada is providing clear recommendations, informed by the best available evidence, regarding the most effective exercises to help reduce the risk of falls and osteoporotic fractures,” states Dr. Famida Jiwa, President and CEO Osteoporosis Canada.
1. Check your calcium intake with the Calcium Calculator at the link below and take action
http://www.osteoporosis.ca/osteoporosis-and-you/nutrition/calculate-my-calcium
2. Stand up! Interrupt your sitting if you can and whenever you can! Give us a call to chat about structuring an effective program. We are here to partner with you and mobilize you for better and healthier life.
