The care that a person with osteoporosis should have should be related mainly to the fall prevention to avoid fractures. The bones become so weak that they can "break" easily with a simple fall, blows and even a cough.
In addition, osteoporosis treatment also includes changes in lifestyle, practice of physical activity, use of calcium and vitamin D supplements, medications, sunbathing, among other care.
To increase the daily intake of calcium, mineral-rich foods such as sesame, sardines, milk, cheeses, yogurt, flaxseed, almonds, dark green vegetables (spinach, broccoli, kale ...) are recommended.
THE D vitamin is essential for the use of calcium by the body, as it acts on the absorption and fixation of calcium in bones. The nutrient is found in salty and cold water fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna, shrimp, egg yolk, cereals and liver.
However, for vitamin D to be activated it needs to be exposed to the sun's rays. It is through exposure of the skin to sunlight that it turns into vitamin D3 and participates in the absorption of calcium and mineral fixation in the skeleton. That's why it's very important. sunbathe every day for 30 minutes in the least hot hours of the day (between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. and after 4 p.m.).
At physical activities are among the most important care a person with osteoporosis should have. The moderate impact of the bone on the floor and the traction exerted by the tendons leaves the bones stronger. Walking, bodybuilding or other muscle strengthening exercises are among the most indicated activities.
Other recommended care for patients with osteoporosis also include reduced consumption of coffee, salt and alcohol and not smoking.
How to prevent fractures in osteoporosis?
To prevent falls and prevent fractures, it is recommended that:
⇒ Do not leave objects scattered around the house floor;
⇒ Do not leave loose or exposed wires on the floor;
⇒ wear non-slip and low footwear;
⇒ Do not wax the floor of the house;
⇒ Do not walk in dark places with wet ground;
⇒ Do not leave carpets on the stairs;
⇒ Place objects in low places to avoid climbing on benches, chairs or stairs;
⇒ Sit on a plastic bench to wash your feet at bath time;
⇒ whenever possible, use non-slip flooring in the bathroom and in the kitchen;
⇒ Wait a few minutes to get up in the middle of the night to go urinate.
The treatment of osteoporosis, as well as the guidelines regarding the care to be taken, are the responsibility of the rheumatologist, orthopedic and, in the case of women, gynecologist.
Learn more at:
What are the risks of having osteoporosis?
What is osteopenia and what are the symptoms?
