Senior Magazine

Dr Lasaundra Watson with Peak Vista Senior Health Centers discusses Osteoporosis in SENIOR Magazine 

Colorado Springs SENIOR Magazine 

No bones about it! 

Osteoporosis should be taken seriously 

By: Dr Lasaundra Watson – Peak Vista Senior Health Centers 

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become weak and can break from a minor fall or in serious cases, from as simple an action as a sneeze. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, typically occur in the hip, spine, and wrist. 

Fifty-five percent of Americans, 50 years of age and older, are at risk of developing osteoporosis. Currently 10 million individuals are estimated to already have the disease, and 34 million more are estimated to have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Women can lose up to 20% of their bone mass in the five to seven years after menopause, making them more susceptible to osteoporosis. While women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, men also suffer from osteoporosis.   

People cannot feel their bones getting weaker and may not know that they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. About 85-90% of adult bone mass is acquired by age 18 in girls, and age 20 in boys. Building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can help to prevent osteoporosis later in life. The following five steps can result in better bone health and help prevent osteoporosis:

            Get the daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D.

            Engage in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise.

            Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.

            Have a bone density test and take medication when appropriate.

            Talk to your doctor about bone health. 

Although there is not a cure for osteoporosis, it can be treated. For more information about osteoporosis and management of this disease, contact Peak Vista Senior Health Centers at 329-7100 or visit www.peakvista.org to locate a health center near you. 

Author Dr Lasaundra Watson is with Peak Vista Senior Health Centers