Physical activity helps to stabilize and strengthen the muscles and bones but also puts the person at risk of experiencing a fall or a blow. A diagnosis of osteoporosis is possible in the case of a typical fracture that fits the definition, such as a fracture from an insignificant blow, or for example an ankle or shoulder fracture as a result of a slight fall on the street
Dr. Gabriel Lishevitz, an endocrinology expert from Shaari Zedek Hospital, explains the nature of osteoporosis, the importance of early diagnosis, the methods of prevention and treatment, and the precautions to be taken. Osteoporosis (decreased bone density) is a very common problem and is manifested in bone fractures. One in three women and one in five men may suffer a crisis during their lifetime as a result of osteoporosis. One of the main problems is the lack of awareness of the problem on the part of the population, resulting in a very high level of underdiagnosis, which results in the problem not being treated.
Today it is known that smoking is dangerous and is a very significant risk factor for cancer and vascular diseases. That is why we can see a significant decrease in smoking figures in the world. It is also known that diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, and therefore people perform blood tests from time to time, receive drug treatment and clearly see a reduction in sugar complications, all thanks to the fact that there is a high awareness of the problem. The same with osteoporosis, the lack of awareness leads to giving a diagnosis and if it is not diagnosed in time, you do not receive treatment and the problem is not solved.
A diagnosis of osteoporosis is possible in two ways, either in the case of a typical fracture that fits the definition, such as a fracture from an insignificant blow, one that should not have led to a serious result, such as a fracture in the ankle or shoulder as a result of a slight fall in the street, or alternatively a given of poor bone density. Those who find themselves in one of these two groups are in an increased risk group for a fracture.
Strengthening bones and preventing fractures: this is how to avoid the damage of the disease. To prevent the damage, it is important to emphasize two things: strengthening the bone and preventing falls. How do you strengthen the bones? Before we go into detail, we will emphasize that all the actions must be done and not be satisfied with some of them, only in this way we will get the best results. It is important to eat enough calcium: about 1000mg a day. Calcium is present in dairy products, soy, legumes, tahini and sardines. When you don’t get enough calcium through your diet, add a calcium pill.
It is also important to make sure that the vitamin D levels are normal. The body produces vitamin D by exposing the skin to the sun, a standard person is not exposed to the sun enough, especially in the ultra-Orthodox sector, so it is important to take vitamin D in pills or drops. So far we have talked about calcium and vitamin D. Studies show that they are not enough to significantly reduce the risk of fractures. For those who suffer from osteoporosis, it is important to combine medication in most cases.
The bones are constantly in the process of being built and broken down. After the age of 50, the rate of decomposition is much faster than the rate of construction, and this is what leads to a decrease in bone density and strength. There are drugs that can affect the breakdown and the building (reduce the breakdown and increase the building) and we use them in most osteoporosis patients. These drugs manage to reduce the risk of fractures by about 70%.
The second thing is paying attention to preventing falls, which is also very important. No one wants to fall, but sometimes we get into dangerous situations and there are ways to avoid it. It is important to check that the house is a safe place, without obstacles that could knock down the citrus in it. Be careful of surfaces, check that the bathtub is not slippery. Even when you go outside the house, be careful on the street. This is especially important during free time, between times, when you go out more. But on the other hand, it should be known that there is great importance for walking and physical activity. Physical activity improves stability and reduces the risk of falls by strengthening the muscles and also has an effect that strengthens the bones.
If you want to reduce the risk of fractures as much as possible, it is important to observe everything we have mentioned in our words here, and not to neglect any point. Those who do not eat enough calcium, even if they take all the other actions we mentioned, it will not be enough. Thus, those who take an effective medicine but fall into multiple falls due to not adhering to a safe environment will not improve their condition. Only a lot of attention to all the issues and points there is to maximally reduce the risk of fractures and defeat osteoporosis.