osteoporosis

Today I am writing about osteoporosis, known as the “silent bone thief” and how you can reduce your risk of developing the disease. Osteoporosis can be debilitating, characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, leading to increased bone fragility and risk of broken bones. Osteoporosis is commonly known as “the silent thief” because bone loss occurs without any symptoms.

shoppers

As part of its commitment to women’s health, Shoppers Drug Mart, and its LOVE.YOU. program has partnered with Osteoporosis Canada to combat the low awareness about this serious disease. The good news is that even though the disease is serious, osteoporosis is also preventable. Below you can find some additional stats about Osteoporosis:

  • Although guidelines recommend consumption of 1000-1200 mg of calcium per day, most women fail to reach this level with their dietary intake – many only getting 300 mg/day.
  • In Canada, among people over 50 years old, 80 per cent of broken bones are caused by osteoporosis,while 80 per cent of Canadians who break a bone as a result of osteoporosis are never diagnosed with osteoporosis.
  • Each year in Canada, broken bones caused by osteoporosis are more common than heart attack, stroke and breast cancer combined in women over the age of 50.
  • Breaking a bone as a result of falling from standing height (or less) may be a sign of osteoporosis.apped resource that can help advise women on lifestyle changes, vitamin supplementation and medication adherence to prevent broken bones due to osteoporosis.

RISK FACTORS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS INCLUDE:

  1. Being over the age of 65
  2. Parental history of osteoporosis
  3. Individuals who smoke or consume excess alcohol
  4. Low body weight (<60kg) in women or major weight loss

Additionally, two risk factors for fracture:

  1. Prior fracture that occurred spontaneously, or from minor trauma
  2. At risk of falling

broccoli casserole
HOW YOU CAN PREVENT OSTEOPOROSIS

Bhavika Prajapati, a pharmacist and Associate-Owner, Shoppers Drug Mart shares her thoughts on the topic. She says “it is never too early to start thinking about bone health and there are easy steps that Canadians can take, at every age, to help prevent osteoporosis.” “Ensuring your diet is rich with calcium, supplementing with vitamin D and adding regular exercise to your daily or weekly routine will help build bone strength and can make a difference in prevention of osteoporosis and fractures.”

Below a list with some common foods that are high in calcium:

  • Milk
  • Salmon, with bones – canned
  • Almonds
  • Broccoli
  • Dark Leafy Greens

Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix pharmacists are also equipped to provide education and advice to patients about osteoporosis management and reducing the risk. In addition, Osteoporosis Canada is lending its endorsement to Life Brand Vitamin D and Calcium products, to help in the prevention and management of Osteoporosis. For more information about protecting your bones, visit your local Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacist or osteoporosis.ca.

Do you take any Vitamin D or Calcium supplements at the moment? Do you try to include foods high in calcium in your daily diet?

Disclosure: This is a sponsored posts, however all views and opinions are 100% my own.