When people think about protecting their health, bone health often takes a backseat to more prominent concerns such as cancer and cancer. heart disease.
However, for women, bone density can become a serious problem as we age because osteoporosis weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures.
Dr. Mary Claire Haver is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. Certified menopause specialistan associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas Medical Branch, spoke to FOX News Digital about the seriousness of this threat.
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“About 50% of women will experience an osteoporotic fracture before they die,” she said. “That’s three times more than men.”
Osteoporosis is defined as “.bone disease According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, it occurs when bone density and bone mass decreases or changes in bone structure and strength.
In this condition, the bones become so weak and brittle that even mild stress, such as falling or coughing, can cause a fracture.
Haver — is also the founder of “Pause Life,” a health and wellness platform focused on. support women He noted that through the changes of midlife, the “fall” after these fractures can be “quite devastating.”
Fractures can lead to disability, death and high medical costs, according to Haver’s blog post on the Pause Life website.
Haver emphasized that osteoporosis is a “largely preventable” disease.
“If you pay attention to your lifestyle and behavior, you probably medicine “If we can prevent osteoporosis early in life, it could really help reverse some of the loss of independence that women suffer as they age,” she told FOX News Digital.
This condition is more likely to occur in people who have hormonal imbalances, who have had gastrointestinal surgery, who have a low calcium intake, or who have a history of. disordered eatingaccording to Haver and Mayo Clinic. People with a family history of osteoporosis may also face a higher risk.
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People who take corticosteroid drugs for conditions such as seizures, gastric reflux, cancer, or graft rejection are more susceptible, as are people with conditions such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney or liver disease, and multiple myeloma. rheumatoid arthritis.
Although osteoporosis is sometimes referred to as a “silent disease” that progresses without symptoms until a fracture occurs, Haver said there are some subtle clues that can indicate bone density is “lower than normal.”
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These include loss of height, back pain, receding gums, and weak or brittle nails.
Osteoporosis can also be caused by certain unhealthy habits, such as sitting too much and eating too much. excessive alcohol and tobacco use.
The Mayo Clinic reported that “people who spend a lot of time sitting have a higher risk of osteoporosis than people who are more active.”
Haber agreed to continue being physically active while getting enough calcium and vitamin D through exercise. healthy eating Or supplements. Helps maintain healthy bone density.
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“to engage” weight-bearing exercise “Avoid strength training, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and talk to your doctor about medications that can affect bone health,” she wrote in a blog post.
“Regular bone density testing may also be recommended to monitor bone health and identify potential problems early.”
