2007-11-11T17:28:00.000-08:00

Bone Health: More Myths About Osteoporosis

Much is known about good bone health and its effects on osteoporosis. However, many still cling to myths about this condition either forcing them into denial or lulling them into a false sense of security. In this article we will look at some of these myths and present the truth about osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is associated mostly with women. This tends to put men at risk because they falsely believe that they will not contract this condition. It is true that the majority of osteoporosis sufferers are women. However, it is a condition that can and does strike men. In fact, 20 percent of osteoporosis patients are men totaling about 14 million nationwide. This number is expected to grow quite substantially by the year 2010. Men also have a greater chance of suffering a fracture due to osteoporosis that contracting prostate cancer. Finally, men who suffer from hip fractures, related to osteoporosis are twice as likely to die within that year as women of the same age. This condition should not be taken lightly by men just because women seem more susceptible.

Race is something that seems to account for many of the myths about Osteoporosis. The condition seems to be most associated with Caucasian women. This figure has changed quite drastically. The truth is Asian women aged over 50 are estimated to have an equal amount of cases as Caucasian women. 49 percent of Hispanic women are estimated to have low bone mass which makes them just slightly lower than Caucasian women. Finally, 35 percent of African American women are expected to have low bone density which can lead to Osteoporosis.

Men and those from other ethnic groups have been mislead into thinking that they are not at risk for Osteoporosis. True that many of the cases do seem to affect Caucasian women over the age of 50 but the truth is it can attack anyone. The best way to avoid being another statistic is to practice good bone health habits early in life. If these are continued then the likelihood of preventing Osteoporosis greatly increases.

Bone Health: The Truth About Bones

Bones historically have been a part of our body that we tend to take for granted. The out of site, out of mind idea comes into play. We all know that bones are important but many of us fail to realize just how essential they are to our lives. There are also many misconceptions about bones. Many believe that they are just a hard lifeless substance that holds up our frames. Those in the medical field know that bones are much more than that. In this article we will attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding bones and clear up some of the many misconceptions that are attached to them.

1. Are bones just hard lifeless substances?

No, Bones definitely have living qualities. If the were just lifeless substances then they would not be capable of healing when broken or injured. Bone is a complex living tissue and can be greatly affected by diet and exercise.

2. Are bones actually stronger after they have been broken?

Once they are healed then the injured area is actually stronger. Many who suffer from broken bones complain of weakness in that area. This isn’t due to the bone but to the fact that the muscle around in injured area is weakened due to inactivity. With carefully monitored exercise this will eventually regain strength.

3. Is it true you cannot do much for your bones after the age of 20?

No, it is true that maximum bone density is reached in women around the age of 20; however, even those that suffer from severe osteoporosis can improve the quality of their bone health. With a good diet and exercise, and in some instances medicines, bone density can be drastically improved.

4. Weight training is good for muscles but how can it help bones?

Resistance training puts stress on your bones. This stress is positive. When the bone is stresses in this way it creates more bone tissue. This makes the bones more dense and strong. This creates a reduction in fractures and other diseases that weaken bones.

5. Why do bones start to weaken in women as they get older?

Your bones are constantly changing. They are breaking down currently but when we are younger, we are replacing our bones nutrients creating new tissue. When women start to go through menopause their ovaries stop producing estrogen. This helps prevent the body from bone loss. Women start to develop weaker bones if they haven’t practiced good bone health during their younger years.

Bones are constantly changing and cannot be neglected. They must continually be replenished with nutrients or bone loss can be the result. Good bone health should be practiced when young but much can still be done in the later years of life to improve bone health.