Khaberni - When people think about protecting their health, bone health often comes later, despite it being a silent threat to the quality of life of millions, especially women as they age.
According to experts, about half of all women can expect to suffer an osteoporotic fracture during their lifetime, a rate three times higher than that faced by men.
Osteoporosis is defined as a disease in which bones gradually lose their density and strength, becoming so fragile that a simple cough or incorrect posture might be enough to cause a severe fracture.
The consequences of these fractures are not limited to physical pain, but can lead to long-term disability, loss of independence in movement, and substantial treatment costs.
Despite this grim scenario, there is broad hope because osteoporosis is one of the most preventable diseases. The key lies in early understanding and proactive action. Women who pay attention to their lifestyle and nutrition in the early stages, and consult their doctors about medications that might affect their bones, and those who adopt a routine of supported physical activity, are in a much better position to maintain the robustness of their skeletal structure as they age.
The tragedy lies in the deceptive nature of this disease, which earns the title "silent disease" because it rarely announces itself before a fracture occurs. But the body has its own warning language, which might manifest as:
Noticeable decrease in height over time
Persistent back pain
Unusual gum recession
Weak, easily breakable nails
Besides natural aging and reduced hormone levels after menopause, risk increases in the following situations:
Having a family history of the disease
Deficient intake of calcium and vitamin "D"
Physical inactivity and lack of movement
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Certain chronic diseases (such as kidney diseases and rheumatoid arthritis)
Using certain types of medication (like corticosteroids for long periods)
Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a specialist in gynecology and menopause, confirms that this disease "can be largely prevented."
Therefore, the first step towards confrontation is to shift awareness from the concept of treatment to the culture of prevention. Promoting bone health is not limited to taking calcium; rather, it is a comprehensive lifestyle that combines balanced nutrition rich in vitamin "D", regular exercises that stimulate bone building like walking and strength training, avoiding harmful habits such as smoking, and regular check-ups with specialists, especially for those at higher risk due to family history or specific health conditions.
