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A Warning For Baby Boomers |
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Written by Dawn C.
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Friday, 15 September 2006 |
Osteoporosis - A Warning For Baby Boomers
The Baby Boomer generation has now reached the ages of 60
and above. One of their most important concerns is their
health. Many boomers are not concerned about Osteoporosis
feeling that it is a disease reserved for senior citizens,
not recognizing themselves in that group. Osteoporosis will
affect approximately 12 million people by the year 2010, it
is a condition in which a persons bones become porous and
weakened resulting in bone fractures.
Osteoporosis is gender related, affecting more women than
men, especially those who are Caucasian or Asian. As a
woman's ovaries decrease their estrogen production, the risk
for Osteoporosis becomes much more prevalent. Over 1.5
million fractures each year are a result of Osteoporosis
most of which occurred in the hips. This type of fracture
limits the mobility of the person which can create a loss of
appetite, problems with circulation, rashes or skin
disorders, and often depression.
Men have been known to suffer from Osteoporosis, while they
do not experience the same drop in hormone levels as women
do, their testosterone does decrease and this causes less
new bone growth. Men who suffer from Osteoporosis have a
much slower rate of progression.
The primary risk factors associated with Osteoporosis are
insufficient calcium intake, gender, and age. Other factors
to be considered are the size of the persons bone structure,
having immediate family members that suffer from
Osteoporosis, early stage menopause, thyroid medications,
and prolonged usage of steroids.
You can protect yourself from the affects of Osteoporosis
through proper diet and nutrition, and daily exercise. While
your body does not produce calcium it is a necessary
requirement. When your body does not get enough calcium
through diet the calcium is pulled from your bones. People
who are lactose intolerant need to supplement their calcium
intake in other ways. There are over the counter calcium
tablets available or, calcium can be found in shellfish such
as shrimp or crab, sardines, salmon, broccoli, almonds,
tofu, and other greens. There are also many dairy products
available today that are lactose free. Added vitamin D will
also help with calcium absorption. This vitamin is found
naturally in the skin, and when the skin is exposed to the
sun the body absorbs the vitamin D and converts it into
calcium. However, exposing your skin to the sun subjects you
to possible skin cancer as a result of the sun's UV rays. If
you apply sunblock you block the UV rays and those rays
release the vitamin D found in your skin, thus defeating the
purpose. There are many juices and cereals available that
have been enriched by vitamin D.
Unless public awareness of Osteoporosis and the health
problems associated with it is increased, many will suffer
needlessly. By taking charge of their health through diet
and exercise Baby Boomers may be able to save themselves
from the painful affects Osteoporosis can cause.
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