The solution for Osteoporosis is Changing Lifestyle: Better Bone Health

We promised in our last article that we are going to continue with the discussion of the five elements which are helpful in changing lifestyle for healthy bones. And if you were with us then you understand where we are coming from. However if you are visiting this link for the first time, then you may want to get to our previous article to get the introduction and the in-depth discussion of the first two life changes you may need to make if you want to have healthy bones. Doctor Dalal Akoury who is an expert in this discipline and also the founder of the health facility called AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is helping us understand the role of changing lifestyle for the production and maintenance of healthy bones. In other words we are discussing the solution for osteoporosis is changing lifestyle.

• Calcium and Vitamin D
• Bone density testing
• Weight bearing exercise
• No smoking and moderate Alcohol drinking
• Doctor’s consultation

Now having understood how calcium and vitamins and bone density testing are beneficial, let us continue in to the discussion by understanding the remaining three.

The solution for Osteoporosis is Changing Lifestyle: Weight-Bearing Exercise

The bones need to be protected consistently if it has to do it functions effectively. Some of the elements that can protect the bone’s health may include both calcium foods and calcium supplements and osteoporosis medications. These are the great defenders of the bones and can stop bone loss which eventually necessitates the bone to rebuild itself. However for this to be done effectively, the body needs encouragement or the incentive to rebuild bone. It therefore means that the skeleton needs to be under stress so that it can get stronger. That’s why doctor Dalal Akoury is recommending regular exercise for the benefits of better bone health. But before you engage in this kind of exercise, it is very important that you seek some expert opinion from your doctor. This kind of exercise may be different from the normal weight loss activities. In this case we are using exercise to gain more bone mass says doctor Akoury. She suggests the following types of exercises for the restoration of your bone health:

Make walking a daily ritual – A simple walking, jogging, and light aerobics make your bones and muscles work contrary to gravity which puts stress on the skeleton, which strengthens bones. Cycling is also good for bones because it offers some resistance thereby improving muscle mass and strengthens bones.

Even though swimming may not be a good bone-booster, it is great and essential for joints particularly for those people who have arthritis. Nonetheless it’s not adding anything for osteoporosis. With swimming, the skeleton is comfortable so it is not working to hold itself up. Now whatever the exercise you settle for, it is important that you purpose to dedicate at least 30 minutes of exercise daily for at least three to five days in a week. This way you will be able to achieve your objective of increasing your bone density.

Core strengthening is critical too – Abdominal exercises, lower back exercises, yoga, Pilates, and tai chi help strengthen the spine. You could make reference about this in our previous article but in the meantime all that stuff is great mainly due to the fact that the most common fractures are often in the spine. Strengthening muscles to the spine gives more support to the spine. The other thing about yoga, Pilates, and tai chi is that they are effective in the improvement of body balance which is very essential in preventing unnecessary falls.

Tell your instructor that you have osteoporosis – For those intending to go for yoga or Pilates, it is very important that your instructor is qualified for the job. Ensure that you verify their certification with the relevant bodies or authorities. This is paramount because in this all arrangement, you will need very close supervision to make sure you don’t harm yourself.

The solution for Osteoporosis is Changing Lifestyle: Don’t Smoke & moderate Alcohol

The way nicotine is toxic to other organs of the body so it is to the bone. Many professionals will confess to their smoking patients that smoking is a big impediment to the health you their bones. Quitting is the way to optimize on the treatment, however this is often very difficult for many and especially the addicted ones. The truth of the matter is that with smoking, there is very little the doctor can do for your bones because this will counteract all medications administered.

Even though moderate alcohol is not bad, keeping it moderate is very challenging to many. What is then considered moderate? The experts recommend only one or two drinks a week. Alcohol in excess causes about 2% bone loss in a year’s time. Nicotine also causes 2% bone loss. If you’re having alcohol and nicotine both in excess, the combined bone loss is actually doubled 8% bone loss.

The solution for Osteoporosis is Changing Lifestyle: Talk to Your Doctor

Many factors affect bone strength. Use of certain medications to treat chronic diseases, for example, is an often-overlooked risk factor for developing osteoporosis. Also, certain medications may cause dizziness, light-headedness, or loss of balance which could put you at risk for a fall. Your doctor can explain your own risk as well as options for preventing and treating bone loss. When you visit your doctor’s office you could ask them some of these questions:

• How can I best improve my bone health?
• What is the best calcium to take?
• What medication can help me?
• Has this medication been proven to lower risk of fractures of spine and hip?
• What are the side effects?
• Do I need special instructions for taking my bone medication?
• Will the medications affect other drugs that I’m taking for other conditions?
• How will I know if the treatment is working?
• How soon will I see a change?
• How long will I take this medication?
• Am I taking any medications that put me at risk for a fall?
• What exercise is safest for me?
• Are there exercises I should not do?
• How can I know if I’ve fractured a bone in my spine?
• How soon should I schedule my next appointment?
• What should I do to prevent falls?

These questions may not be applicable to you all but they can offer guidance when you meet your doctor. Finally when you meet a challenge that needs professional clarification, then you can schedule for an appointment with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center and doctor Dalal Akoury will offer real time solutions for your concerns.

The solution for Osteoporosis is Changing Lifestyle: Better Bone Health