by Angela V 
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.
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:
- Being over the age of 65
- Parental history of osteoporosis
- Individuals who smoke or consume excess alcohol
- Low body weight (<60kg) in women or major weight loss
Additionally, two risk factors for fracture:
- Prior fracture that occurred spontaneously, or from minor trauma
- At risk of falling
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.
18 Comments on “Osteoporosis: The Silent Bone Thief”
Great information, thank you for sharing!!!
Very informative! I didn’t know so much about osteoporosis!
I take both calcium and Vitamin D tablets. A friend of mine of the same age, slipped on some dog poop out in a field whilst walking her own dogs and fractured her hip – no hard surface or anything! Another friend fell down 3 carpeted steps in her home and fractured both ankles! When I fell down a set of concrete stairs 2 yrs ago I ended up with a bad concussion, two badly damaged legs but no broken bones. I guess my bones are pretty strong for my age but I still started taking supplements, better to be safe than sorry.
I take ‘Vitamin D tablets and I drink at least 3 glasses of milk a day. I walk a lot and do strength training exercises with free weights and my body weight. I think these dietary and exercise habits help me to keep my bones strong.
This is all really good info to know. I should be better about preventative measures.
This is definitely something I need to watch out for. I was ordered by my doctor about vitamin D.
Thanks for sharing this great info,my hubby just found out he had osteoporosis
These are great tips, thanks! I never knew about this before.
This is good information to know. It is something that should be taught in schools by the time kids girls esp are tweens, and reminder forward!
Very informative post! I’m taking calcium vitamins….
This is something I need to be more cognizant of. Thanks for the info!
This is good information – and I do love all these foods, and want to use them even more now!
With all the Baby Boomers around, attention needs to be taken in order that they maintain a healthy body
I believe that women above the age of 50 should definitely take Calcium & Vitamin D supplements to help prevent osteoporosis.
I did not realize that osteoporosis was so prevalent and the cause of so much distress in people who suffer with it. I had not idea how widespread this condition is and how many older people suffer from broken bones because of it. You informative and interesting post helped me realize just how widespread this condition and how one can take preventive steps to avoid it.
Osteoporosis is something a lot of women suffer from, whilst living in Germany I was also checked regularly for bone density after I’d reached 50 yrs of age. I do like this idea it’s more about prevention since it’s a ‘silent’ disease.
Vitamin d is very important. I do take it everyday! I think everyone should too
Important information, thanks for sharing!