May is Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Month

By Sue McMillan, Nurse Practitioner, Veterans Memorial Hospital Clinic-Waukon

Osteoporosis, a very common condition, is when bones become weak and brittle such that a fall or minor stress like coughing or bending over can cause a break in the bone.  Bones most commonly affected are the hip, wrist and spine.

What causes osteoporosis?  Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced.  Osteoporosis happens when replacement of new bone cannot keep up with the loss of bone.

Osteoporosis is most common in postmenopausal women, although men can be affected as well.  Healthy diet, weightbearing exercise, avoidance of smoking and avoidance of excessive alcohol are the mainstay prevention strategies.  Sometimes medication can be used to help reverse osteoporosis and slow the rate of bone loss once it occurs.

Talk to your healthcare provider about screening for osteoporosis at your annual exam!  Prevention, and treatment if necessary, will keep your bones healthy and young, thereby greatly improving quality of life and functional capacity.

Enjoy your summer and stay active!