Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become thin and porous, thus decreasing bone strength, which in turn leads to an increased risk of breaking a bone.
In the past, osteoporosis has typically been thought of as a condition of the elderly. However, the fact that it has more recently been redefined as “a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences,” (1)should command the attention of all ages.
Why it’s important for EVERYONE to know the facts about Osteoporosis!
Though no one cause for osteoporosis has yet been identified, what has been determined, is that the best time to start guarding against the effects of osteoporosis is ideally from birth. According to Osteoporosis Canada and Ontario Osteoporosis Strategy, evidence-based research indicates that, “building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can be the best defense against developing osteoporosis later.” (1)In fact, “peak bone mass is achieved at an early age, age 16 in girls and age 20 in young men.”(1)
Why it’s important for EVERYONE to know the facts about Osteoporosis!
Though no one cause for osteoporosis has yet been identified, what has been determined, is that the best time to start guarding against the effects of osteoporosis is ideally from birth. According to Osteoporosis Canada and Ontario Osteoporosis Strategy, evidence-based research indicates that, “building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can be the best defense against developing osteoporosis later.” (1)In fact, “peak bone mass is achieved at an early age, age 16 in girls and age 20 in young men.”(1)
At the other end of the spectrum, “women and men alike begin to lose bone in their mid-30s; as they approach menopause, women lose bone at a greater rate, from 2-5% per year.” (1)With these facts in mind, the best time to ensure that you are doing everything possible to guard against the effects of osteoporosis is now!
How common is Osteoporosis?
What are some of the potential consequences of Osteoporosis?
Statistics indicate that:
Four Basic Strategies to Promote Bone Health - in the fight against Osteoporosis.
While it’s important to remember that it’s never too early to start thinking about where you are on your own journey toward bone health, it’s also important to remember that it’s never too late!
As is the case with most other medical health conditions, successful management of osteoporosis is best achieved by choosing a proactive approach to prevent, delay or reduce bone loss. By following a healthy lifestyle throughout the lifespan, which includes:
1. Balanced nutrition, ideally starting from childhood.
- 2 million Canadians are affected by osteoporosis.
- The risk of osteoporosis diagnosis doubles every 5 years, between the ages of 40 and 60.
What are some of the potential consequences of Osteoporosis?
Statistics indicate that:
- At least 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will suffer from an osteoporotic fracture during their lifetime.
- Over 80% of all fractures in people 50+ are caused by osteoporosis.
- 1 in 3 hip fracture patients will re-fracture within one year.
- Less than 20% of the people who have a fracture receive an osteoporosis diagnosis, bone mineral density test, or an osteoporosis medication prescription within the following year, with men less likely to receive any intervention.
Four Basic Strategies to Promote Bone Health - in the fight against Osteoporosis.
While it’s important to remember that it’s never too early to start thinking about where you are on your own journey toward bone health, it’s also important to remember that it’s never too late!
As is the case with most other medical health conditions, successful management of osteoporosis is best achieved by choosing a proactive approach to prevent, delay or reduce bone loss. By following a healthy lifestyle throughout the lifespan, which includes:
1. Balanced nutrition, ideally starting from childhood.
2. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake.
3. Physical activity and resistance training exercises.
If you need help in coming up with a plan, as physical therapists we are trained to assist you in coming up with one that is safe and specific to your needs and goals.
4. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Intake.
Knowing when to consult with a medical health care professional to achieve your goals, can be the most important first step toward a safe, rewarding, and empowering journey to being “Bone fit”.
If you need help in coming up with a plan, as physical therapists we are trained to assist you in coming up with one that is safe and specific to your needs and goals.
4. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Intake.
Knowing when to consult with a medical health care professional to achieve your goals, can be the most important first step toward a safe, rewarding, and empowering journey to being “Bone fit”.
Stay tuned for upcoming blog posts with more specifics regarding: guidelines to determine if you are at increased risk of osteoporosis or fracture; other available strategies that can help you play a more active role in the management of your bone health; the basics of Bone Fit Canada’s highly beneficial “Too Fit to Fracture” Program for Managing Osteoporosis Through Exercise.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the clinic and we would love to assist you.
~ Elizabeth Stefanyshyn-Alonso BScPT, FCAMPT
References:
- Bonefit Clinical Training Manual – Version 7 – Course completion May/June 2021
- www.bonefit.ca
- www.osteoporosis.ca
- www.osteostrategy.ca
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