Prevent Osteoporosis with Exercise
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose mass. They become more fragile and can break or fracture.
About 10 million people in the United States suffer from osteoporosis; 80% are women. Losing bone mass is part of the natural aging process, and women begin to lose bone mass much more quickly after going through menopause.Osteoporosis can be dangerous. As bones become more fragile, walking becomes more difficult and there is a higher risk of broken bones, especially in the wrists, hips, and spine (see picture). (Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation)
Exercise Can Prevent Osteoporosis
Weight-bearing and strength exercises can keep your bones and muscles in good shape:
Weight-bearing exercises like walking, climbing stairs, and dancing require you to support your body weight.
Strength exercises involve weights like a dumbbell or soup can that you lift, pull, or push. Some people enjoy using weight-lifting machines at health clubs and gyms.
Check Your Bones: Bone Density Testing
To check your bones and your risk of osteoporosis and a bone fracture, ask your doctor for a bone mineral density (BMD) test. It's a good idea to do this test every year or so because osteoporosis can develop without any signs or symptoms.
Medicare Tip
Medicare pays for bone mineral density (BMD) testing for people aged 65 and older who have:
• Low estrogen levels
• Primary hyperparathyroidism
• Vertebral abnormalities
Medicare also covers BMD testing for people who:
• Receive, or plan to receive, long-term glucocorticoid (steroid) therapy
• Are monitored for their response to or the effectiveness of an approved drug therapy for osteoporosis
Don't worry! It's never too late to prevent further bone loss and decrease your risk of fractures! Start doing some simple weight-bearing exercises today.
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