What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a condition that is defined as having low bone density. People who have low bone density are at greater risk of breaking and fracturing bones. (WhatHealth, 2022)
What is the purpose of Osteoporosis Awareness Month? The purpose of this month is to create awareness of osteoporosis and help individuals understand what the risk factors are and how to prevent this condition! (WhatHealth, 2022)
A study was done in March of 2000, to identify prevention of osteoporosis, therapy utilized for osteoporosis, and how osteoporosis is diagnosed. This study found that osteoporosis isn’t prevalent in specific populations and that this condition can cause significant financial, physical, and psychosocial consequences. (JAMA, 2001)
The study also found that having an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D can contribute to higher bone mass. Exercise and high-impact activities can help prevent this condition. (JAMA, 2001)
Additional ideas to help decrease the risk of osteoporosis are:
- Adding weight bearing exercises to your routine, such as walking, going up/down stairs, dancing.
- Avoid activities that avoid twisting your spine and bending from the waist.
- Try to maintain a healthy diet
(US Dept of Health and Human Services, 2017)
Talk to your primary care provider to discuss additional options to help prevent this condition or to determine if you have osteoporosis. Also, schedule an OT or PT evaluation with Home Therapy Solutions! We can help with exercises and modifying/adapting your home to decrease the impact of osteoporosis. 218-230-2171
Resources Utilized:
National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month 2022. WhatHealth. (n.d.). Retrieved May 12, 2022, from https://www.whathealth.com/awareness/event/nationalosteoporosisawarenessandpreventionmon.html#:~:text=Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month – May 2022
Osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. (2001). JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 285(6), 785–795. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.285.6.785
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2017, June 26). Osteoporosis. National Institute on Aging. Retrieved May 12, 2022, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/osteoporosis#:~:text=Preventing Osteoporosis,stairs, tennis, and dancing.
