No bones about it
Post-menopausal osteoporosis happens when hormone levels in women fall and the cells that breakdown bone cells work too efficiently. Our bone mineral density (BMD) naturally declines with age, but after menopause it can drop faster as we don’t benefit from the protective effects of hormones. Now research shows that some women in the US may lack the knowledge they need to protect their health from the condition. Over 27 per cent admitted they forget to take their osteoporosis medication, while 46 per cent didn’t know their BMD scores, which is the same figure for those of us who don’t have the condition. These figures change after women in the study had experienced a fracture, showing that once the disease had severely impacted wellness, sufferers learned more about managing the condition.
Making changes
Becoming more aware about the syndrome can help us live safer, as hip fractures can prove fatal to some of us. The survey also provided information on how we can avoid breakages by adapting our activities, diet and homes so they contain fewer risks. Medications can help us build bone mass, or prevent shedding of bone cells, while the correct balance of nutrients means bone cells have all the molecules they need to continue making new fibres. After providing awareness materials to the group, 72 per cent of those involved said they would make their bone health a major focus in their lives, showing that we cannot take our bones for granted.