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Osteoporosis or Weak Bones
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become weak and thin. These
bones can easily break even when there is no injury.
People with weak bones can have pain in their bones. They may have trouble
walking and carrying out daily activities.
See the picture below
Can my bones get weak?
You are more likely to have weak bones if
*Women above 65 years of age.
*you have a kidney or liver disease.
*you have lung disease due to smoking.
*you take certain pills like steroids and thyroid pills.
*you drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes.
*you don’t eat enough foods with calcium and vitamin D.
*You have a close relative with weak bones.
How do I know that I have weak bones?
Tell your doctor that you think you may have weak bones. There is a
special x-ray that takes the picture of your bones. Your doctor can
order that for you.
Can I prevent my bones from getting weak?
Yes, you can. Here is what you need to do
*Avoid smoking
*Avoid alcohol
*Take Calcium and vitamin D pills if you
are not getting enough from your diet.
What foods are rich in vitamin D?
Vitamin D is in milk, eggs and fish like tuna and salmon. Our skin can
also make vitamin D with the help of sunlight.
Is there any treatment for weak bones?
Your doctor may give you calcium pills or vitamin D pills to make your bones strong.
Your doctor may decide to put you on other medications to treat your weak bones. Make sure that you follow your doctor's advice when taking these medications.
What foods have Calcium?
*Milk
*Yogurt
*Cheese
Beans and Grains
*Whole Wheat cereal
*Soybeans
*Pita bread
*Whole wheat dinner rolls
*Brown Rice
*Tofu
Vegetables and Fruits
*Spinach
*White, green and lima beans
*Beet greens
*Okra
*Broccoli
*Cabbage
*Orange
Sea Food
*Salmon
*Shrimp
*Oysters
Reference: http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/guides/calcium.htm