Guarding Yourself Against Osteoporotic Fragility | January, 2010

Osteoporosis, or the bone thinning disease, affects almost 2 million Canadians each year and accounts for more hospital bed days than those for heart attacks, breast cancer or prostate cancer, yet it is not a priority until it typically becomes a part of a conversation with your doctor, after a bone is fractured. Since menopause contributes to bone loss, fractures can happen more commonly to women over 50 years of age. Thus, it is very significant that women maintain strong bones to enjoy an active and independent life into their senior years.

Risk that can increase the chance of developing osteoporosis include many factors, such as, low bone mineral density, prior bone fracture, long term use of glucocorticoid therapy, age, and family history. However, osteoporosis is completely preventable by eating healthy and consuming the right amount of calcium. Some fruits and vegetables that contain calcium are broccoli, watercress, red kidney beans, chick peas, green beans, apricots, oranges and figs. Also, taking vitamin supplements is also a way to ensure you get a proper amount of calcium to keep your bones strong and vigorous.

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