Five Tips for Managing Bone Health

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that occurs when the body loses too much bone, creates too little bone, or both. About 52 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis and low bone mass. Studies suggest that approximately one in two women and one in four men age 50+ will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

It’s never too early or too late to take steps to protect your bones, especially the bones in your spine. Broken bones of the spine are common in people with osteoporosis and often go unnoticed until more serious problems occur.

Apply these five tips to help aid in bone health and personal safety:

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·         Develop an exercise routine for posture. Ask your doctor to demonstrate posture exercises. These exercises keep your spine limber and flexible and will help hold your back straight by strengthening your bones.

·         Improve Balance. Balance is extremely important for those with osteoporosis. Your eyes, ears, muscles and joints all play an important role in maintaining your balance and preventing broken bones. Improving muscle strength, wearing glasses if you need them and daily stretching can help improve balance.

·         Prevent Slips. Each year one-third of individuals over the age of 65 will fall, resulting in broken bones. Using hand rails, wearing shoes with rubber soles, and checking curb height before stepping up or down can help prevent outdoor falls. At home, remove loose wires, cords and throw rugs, place items that you use most often within reach, and keep stairwells well lit.

·         Recovering from falls. Several types of health professionals can help you recover from a broken bone. An orthopedic doctor can help repair your broken bone. Physiatrists (doctors who specialize in rehabilitation), physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) use a variety of methods to help people with osteoporosis function fully after a broken bone.

·         Understand proper body alignment. Understanding how to properly move, sit and stand can help you stay active. While sitting, keep your hips and knees at the same level and if possible place feet flat on the floor. You should have a natural inward curve to your lower back and a tall, upright upper back. When standing point your feet straight ahead with your knees facing forward. While standing in one place for an extended period of time, place one foot on a stool or in an open cabinet (if you are in the kitchen). Switch weight between feet and you will find this is less tiring for your back and legs.

Osteoporosis can cause severe pain, loss in height, and can keep you from moving around easily. MediNurse can provide assisted-living services in the comfort of one’s own home. From companions to highly trained RNs, MediNurse can be there from an hour a day to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information, call 314-781.2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.