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What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a serious disease caused by demineralization of the bones which result in loss of total bone mass. It is a major cause of bone fractures in postmenopausal women. Early menopause, just getting older and small frame size put you at greater risk as does excessive use of substances that cause bone loss. These include: caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol, colas and use of cortical steroid drugs including inhalers. It is important to eat a calcium rich diet which includes dairy products and a variety of deep green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli. Weight bearing exercise is also important for building bone mass and safe exposure to sunlight helps your body manufacture vitamin D, which is essential for bone heath. The prevention and treatment of osteoporosis is a major concern among heath care professionals.
