I never really thought about bone density, but I guess this is something that I have to start to consider. I am still young yet, but I am aware now more than ever that what I do today will have an effect on my health long into to future. Luckily, osteoporosis is not something that is a problem in my family, but that does not mean that I don't have to watch what I do and take care of my bone health. For those older than me, this might be an even more pressing issue.
As we age, our bone density can go down. I think it goes down for everyone, but for some it can be a huge problem. When the bones are not dense enough they cannot hold their form like they once did, and this can lead to bones bending and breaking. Some with bone density problems will suffer from a stoop, and may get a large hump in their spine that they may not be able to correct once it happens. Some just get shorter as their bones compact. It seems to be a bigger problem for women, and some think it has to do with the hormonal change of menopause.
Anyone concerned about bone density should talk to their doctor. It is important early in life to get enough calcium to keep bones strong, and it is also important later in life to prevent breaks. Older people often fall and break a bone because their bone density is just not what it should be. However, there will always be some type of problem for everyone, but it does not have to be bad if it is taken care of throughout life. Some can do all they can and they will still have problems, and though there is help, it might just be a fact of life in some families.
Those who are facing bone density issues can be tested, and there are some new medications on the market that can help if there is a problem. Though things may never be what they use to be for anyone, there are things that can help make things a little better. No one wants to worry about falling down and perhaps ending up with a stoop, but it can be a reality for some of they don't take care of bone density when it is apparent there may be a problem.
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