Osteoporosis Prevention and Management
By Brandi Goodman
Osteoporosis Month in May makes now the ideal time to begin looking at just how to prevent this disease. With some measures in place, you can avoid developing this bone disease and keep yourself as healthy as possible. Those who do have it can manage their symptoms easily with some lifestyle changes. Taking a look at the prevention and management of osteoporosis shows you how to experience a better quality of life.
Increase Your Calcium Intake
Calcium is necessary for proper bone growth yet many people do not consume enough of it. You don't have to drink nothing but milk to get enough calcium in your diet. Low-fat cheese and yogurt are also excellent sources. Almonds, broccoli, and kale are also possibilities.
Exercise Regularly
You need to exercise if you have any hope of keeping your bones strong. Failing to utilize them will result in them becoming weak and brittle. Regular exercise that causes you to bear your weight is best. Walk, run, swim, and ride your bike for aerobic exercise options that will do lots of good for your body. You can start out slow and gradually build up to more once you're ready and capable.
Stop Smoking
Your bone health can be affected by smoking. Smokers tend to have a decreased bone density compared to those who don't smoke. You should stop smoking now so that you do not continue to increase your risk of developing bone disease and worse health problems.
Get More Vitamin D
Vitamin D is also essential for bone health. Most people think they have to drink milk to get this vitamin, but other options are available as well, such as yogurt, cheese, fatty fish, cereal, and eggs. Food isn't the only source either. You can get Vitamin D by spending time outside in the sun. Just be sure to protect yourself from the harmful rays by wearing sunscreen or limiting your exposure to just a short time.
Prevention and management are important things to understand when it comes to osteoporosis. If you want to prevent this bone disease from happening to you, then you need to do all you can to take care of your bones and keep your body healthy. If you do develop it, then you need to find ways to manage your symptoms so they do not become debilitating.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cary, N.C.