Wellness Event on Osteoporosis

Sneezing is usually painless, unless it makes a bone break. Sound extreme? Even simple, everyday actions can be risky for people with serious osteoporosis. Osteoporosis makes bones weak and brittle. For patients with advanced cases, sneezing or bumping into a chair can result in a broken bone.

The disease is common. Studies suggest that about every other woman and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis, says the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Common risk factors are being over age 50; being female; menopause; family history of osteoporosis; low body weight/being small and thin; and broken bones or loss of height. The risk goes up with certain medical conditions and when taking certain prescription medications. Some over-the-counter antacids and PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) increase risk of the disease, too.

You Can Help to Prevent Osteoporosis

A healthy lifestyle is important to help prevent many medical problems, including osteoporosis.

• Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day
• Get enough Vitamin D and calcium--preferably from food, not supplements.
• Avoid too much protein, sodium, caffeine and alcohol.
• Exercise at least three times a week.
• If you smoke, quit.
• Maintain a healthy weight—not too thin, not too heavy.

It’s never too early or too late to understand your osteoporosis risk factors. Come to Women’s Wellness: Moving to a Better You (Wednesday, June 10, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Long Island Marriott, 101 James Doolittle Boulevard in Uniondale) for insight from the experts: orthopedic surgeonKate Nellans, MD (North Shore-LIJ Orthopaedic Institute) and physical therapist Aileen Roginski, PT, DPT (STARS--Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Services). They’ll help you understand what’s happening to your bones right now and what you can expect in the future; how to spot osteoporosis signs and symptoms, and how to protect your bone health. STARS physical therapists will then lead a session of light aerobics and stretching.

Registration is required. The admission of $20 includes healthy snacks and refreshments and the chance to win a gift basket. Register with a friend to receive $5 off each registration with the promo code BONES. Register online or by calling 855-850-KIWH (5494).

This post was written by Stacey Rosen, MD, vice president of women’s health at the Katz Institute for Women’s Health.

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