CCACC is working hard to raise public awareness of the importance of preventive care. In May 2021, we will promote osteoporosis awareness, a bone disease that decreases bone density and increases the risk of fractures.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), osteoporosis is a condition where bones become fragile and porous, and thus, are more likely to fracture. Bone mass growth slows after the age of 30, increasing the risk of developing osteoporosis. Fractures typically occur in the hip, spine, and wrist bones. Risk factors for osteoporosis include being female, older than 65, low body weight, history of fractures in the family, low calcium intake, not enough exercise, prolonged steroid use, and smoking and alcohol use. Also, Asian females are more prone to developing osteoporosis due to smaller bones and not drinking enough milk, which contains calcium.
It’s important to screen for osteoporosis because there are no symptoms until one of your bones breaks. Fractures can cause chronic back pain, loss of height, stooped posture, disability, and even death. A DEXA scan, which is an x-ray, typically of the hip and lower back, will be used to test for osteoporosis by measuring how much calcium and other minerals are in your bones. These measurements can be used to determine what lifestyle or diet modifications and medication regimens should be undertaken to prevent osteoporosis and fractures.
You can reduce your risk of osteoporosis by exercising more, such as walking, climbing the stairs, and lifting weights. Also, make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, you can increase calcium intake by eating certain cereals, soymilk, salmon, vegetables, tofu, or dairy products. For people at high risk, diet supplementation with calcium and vitamin D may be necessary to prevent osteoporosis and reduce the incidence of fracture. You can also talk to your doctor about medications for osteoporosis.
At CCACC, we help patients identify risk factors and provide education and screening tools to prevent various diseases. Screening is one of the best ways to reduce osteoporosis symptoms. Call us today at 301-798-6001 or visit our website www.ccacchealth.org to make an appointment for osteoporosis screening.
Date: 05/07 3:30 pm-4:30 pm
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85365528713
Meeting ID: 853 6552 8713
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