Osteoporosis Health Check

 

Osteoporosis affects 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men over the age of sixty. It is important to be aware of your bone health, as osteoporosis often has no symptoms until a fracture occurs. If you want to find out if you are at risk, speak to your Doctor of the Practice Nurse.

 

There are many risk factors that may contribute to you developing osteoporosis;

 

• Lifestyle: smoking, excessive alcohol intake, diet lacking in calcium and a sedentary lifestyle

• Age

• Family history

• Medical history: chronic liver or kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, early menopause in women, or low testosterone levels in men

 

Management of osteoporosis, once diagnosed through a bone density test, involves lifestyle changes, medication to stop further bone loss and fractures, and falls prevention measures.