Osteoporosis Awareness Month
Osteoporosis Can Severely Impact Your Lifestyle
May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month. The providers at Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists are excited to bring attention to osteoporosis and the preventive treatments available at NWOS.
Osteoporosis Affects Both Women and Men
Did you know that osteoporosis affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men?
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, risk factors for both women and men include being over 50, alcohol and soda consumption, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of osteoporosis. Additional risk factors for women include having a total hysterectomy, using hormones, or taking oral steroids, and for men include steroid use and low hormone levels.
Osteoporosis Silently Robs the Bones of Strength
Osteoporosis causes bones to weaken, leading to fractures. Osteoporosis affects many bones and can lead to spine fractures. Bones weakened by osteoporosis are five times more likely to be broken in falls, with breaks mainly occurring to the spine, hip, and wrist. These injuries are serious and often result in limited mobility and a resulting loss of independence. Falls are the number one cause of preventable deaths for seniors and the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in Spokane County.
Osteoporosis Treatments at NWOS
A bone density scan is critical to detect low bone density before a fracture. Proactively, a bone density test can help develop a customized treatment including nutrition, exercise, and medications to maintain bone strength. Nutrition is vital, including calcium and Vitamin D. Moderate exercise, including weight-bearing activities, does minimize bone loss and weakening.
Dr. Mark Olson specializes in bone health at NWOS and understands that healthy bones are the foundation for keeping people active and healthy. His customized plans help patients who have suffered bone loss and can prevent future bone loss and their resulting health issues. Keeping bones strong and healthy can help you avoid bone disease and fractures and maintain an active lifestyle as you age.
Dr. Olson and NWOS are partners in Strides for Strong Bones, a local organization providing community screening events, classes, and resources on maintaining bone health and avoiding the effects of osteoporosis.
Take Action to Maintain Strong Bones
Many things can help lessen the effects of osteoporosis. National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month reminds each of us to pay attention to our bones. Your medical team at NWOS knows that healthy bones are the foundation for a full and happy life. They can help your bones stand up to the activities of an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
If the condition is already present or you are concerned about the condition of your bones, contact NWOS to schedule an appointment or call Dr. Olson’s office directly at 509-343-3916. He will discuss the bone density tests and develop a treatment plan to help lessen its effects and improve the quality of your life.
Tags: Osteoporosis, Strong Bones, Dr Mark Olson.