Osteoporosis and Fracture Risks

Osteoporosis is one of the leading health conditions that affect seniors today. It ranks with the number one causes of bone fractures in those over the age of 50. Any senior can face this fear. 

What is osteoporosis?  It refers to a loss of bone mass that causes the bones to become porous and fragile. Our skeletal frames are constantly being remodeled, with bone tissue being broken down and rebuilt on a regular basis. Bone density usually increases until about the age of 30, but after that, trouble can begin. More bone is lost than can be rebuilt.

Over time bones become brittle and fracture risk increases exponentially for a number of reasons. The National Osteoporosis Foundation released updated prevalence data estimating that a total of 54 million U.S. adults age 50 and older are affected by osteoporosis and low bone mass.  Over 10 million adults have osteoporosis and another 43 million have low bone mass. That is more than one-half of the total U.S. adult population!

These statistics are startling, with the incidence of osteoporosis and low bone masses likely to go up, not down. A recent study projects that the number of adults over age 50 with osteoporosis or low bone mass will grow from about 54 million to 64.4 million by 2020 and increase to 71.2 million by 2030 (a 29% increase from 2010). Moreover, the number of fractures are anticipated to grow proportionally. 

Why is this disease so prevalent?  Why is it that our bones break down and turn brittle? These are the questions we must answer. There are many reasons for a loss of bone mass, with the most influential being diet. The good news is you have control over it.  Most people believe that age is the problem. I do not believe this: If age were the problem, every individual over the age of 50 would have osteoporosis. 

So why are some people affected and others not - DIET! Diet can have a huge impact on the prevalence of osteoporosis. In addition, diet can help those who already have osteoporosis. There is a reason why the body starts  to lose bone mass. It is a health adaptation response for a body that is severely out of balance chemically. The body mobilizes calcium from the bone to neutralize the chemical imbalance to help keep you alive. Understanding this is critical in combating the disease.  

What confuses people the most is understanding why they are affected.  Some may think, “why me?”  Some may think they are just unlucky.  Some believe it is part of the aging process.  That is  not the case and I will share with you my reasons for coming to this conclusion.

In our next seminar at the end of May, I will explain the truth behind osteoporosis, why it is growing at such an alarming rate, and how to combat this frightening disease.  We will talk about diet and what you can do to support bone building.  In addition, we will discuss safe exercises to promote bone building. There is so much information about Vitamin D, Calcium, Fish Oil, etc. that it becomes overwhelming and confusing. If you are taking supplements, you may have some expensive urine!  Learn what supplements are most important and most effective in helping support healthy bone building and repair. 

Join us at Panera Bread in Rocky River on May 27 at 7:15 p.m. for an in-depth look at osteoporosis and what you can do about it. Please call 440-331-4744 to reserve a space.