Osteoporosis

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects our bones. It makes our bones weak and more likely to break. When we have osteoporosis, our bones become less dense and lose their strength. This can happen because our bodies do not make enough new bone or because our bodies break down bone too quickly. Osteoporosis can affect both boys and girls, but it is more common in older people, especially women.

Diagnosing Osteoporosis

To diagnose osteoporosis, doctors may use a special test called a bone density scan. This test measures how strong our bones are and helps the doctor determine if we have osteoporosis. The bone density scan is painless and quick. It usually involves lying down on a special table while a machine takes pictures of our bones. The doctor will then analyze the pictures to see if our bones are weaker than they should be.

Treating Osteoporosis

If we are diagnosed with osteoporosis, there are several ways to treat it. One common treatment is taking medicine that helps to make our bones stronger. These medicines can be in the form of pills or injections. It is important to take the medicine exactly as the doctor tells us to. In addition to medicine, it is also important to eat a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Regular exercise, especially weight-bearing exercises like walking or dancing, can also help to strengthen our bones.

Preventing Osteoporosis

There are steps we can take to prevent osteoporosis from happening in the first place. Eating a balanced diet that includes foods rich in calcium, like milk, cheese, and yogurt, can help to keep our bones strong. It is also important to get enough vitamin D, which helps our bodies absorb calcium. We can get vitamin D from sunlight or from foods like eggs and fatty fish. Regular exercise, especially activities that make our bones work, can also help to prevent osteoporosis. It is important to avoid smoking and limit our alcohol intake, as these can weaken our bones.