Bones can be double scary this month. October 20th is World Osteoporosis Day.
With Halloween on the way, creepy skeletons and scary bone creatures are common, but these are not as frightening and alarming as when your own bones become thin and fragile.
Weak and porous bone problems are part of a disease known as osteoporosis. World Osteoporosis Day is October 20th. This recognition day’s purpose is to remind people to care for their bone health. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 8 million American women and 2 million men over the age of 50 suffer from osteoporosis and another 44 million people have low bone mass.
Many people do not know they have osteoporosis until a bone breaks, as you cannot necessarily feel your bones getting weak. Painful and debilitating fractures of the hips, spine and other bones can easily occur. Once a bone breaks previous function may never be regained.
Can scary osteoporosis be tamed and controlled? Yes, with some action from you.
Bone health screenings are available that measure the density of minerals, such as calcium in your bone. The examination is also a predictor of future problems, it’s painless and it takes less than 15 minutes. Plus, your healthcare provider can also help you determine if certain nutrients, medications and lifestyle changes can help slow your rate of bone loss.
Before Halloween creeps up, make an appointment to talk about your bone health.
Edith Cullen, MD
Bone Health Clinic of OSMC
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center of Northern Indiana
Learn More about Bone Health Care at OSMC
Make an appointment with Dr. Cullen
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