Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones - particularly those of the spine, wrist and hips - become thin and weak, and break easily. Often there are no warning signs before a break occurs.
What is it?
Osteoporosis means porous bones (also often called thinning of the bones). It is very common: one in two women and one in five men aged over 50 in the UK develop osteoporosis, a rate that is increasing by about ten per cent a year. Despite this, few people are aware of it or the damage it can cause.
This may be because we tend to think of our bones as solid, static objects. In fact, our bones are part of an active, dynamic organ and - just like the rest of the body's organs and systems- are involved in a constant process of cell growth, repair and change.
Women are especially prone to the disease, owing to loss of oestrogen after the menopause. Unless you take special precautions, osteoporosis can develop, especially if you are particularly vulnerable. Women are especially prone to the disease, owing to loss of oestrogen after the menopause.
What can you do to help?
Exercise: Do some weight-bearing exercise, such as brisk walking or climbing stairs, stimulating your bone cells and improving bone strength. Choose exercise you enjoy, because you will need to do it throughout your life.
Smoking: Smoking slows down the activity of bone-building cells, which increases your risk of osteoporotic fractures (broken bones). Smoking and drinking excessive amounts of coffee and alcohol can also increase the calcium lost from the body. We need calcium for optimum bone strength.
Diet: A well-balanced, calcium-rich diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables will give your bones all the goodness they need and can help to reduce the loss of calcium in the body caused by some foods. Calcium is easily available in dairy foods, and is also found in dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, pulses and bony fish.
Advice and support:
Coventry & District Osteoporosis Support Group
Tel: 024 7672 7870
Website: www.noscoventryanddistrict.org.uk
National Help Line
Tel: 0845 450 0230 (Monday - Friday 10am-3pm)
General Enquiries: 01761 471 771
Website: www.nos.org.uk
International Osteoporosis Foundation
MedInfo: Osteoporosis
Arthritis Research Campaign: Osteoporosis