Are you concerned about getting osteoporosis? You should probably talk to your doctor about being screened if you have a family history of osteoporosis or broken bones. You should definitely be checked if you are in your 30′s or 40′s and have a grandparent with osteoporosis. Older women or women with a small or thin body type or history of broken bones are especially vulnerable. If you are a menopausal woman and have low sex hormones in the form of low estrogen levels, have a condition called amenorrhea (missed periods) or are a man with low testosterone and estrogen levels, you might want to seek a screening. A screening is also recommended if you are on medications such as steroids, thyroid treatment anti-convulsants, the Depo Provera birth control, and cancer drugs like Tamoxifen and Arimidex.
There are things you can do to prevent osteoporosis. First of all, like your mother always said – eat right. Make sure you get your daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Exercise is another way to keep osteoporosis away. Try to do regular strengthening exercises like weightlifting. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn’t hurt either. Don’t smoke and drink in moderation. And finally, get a bone density test and take the medication that your doctor suggests.
A web site to go to for more information with facts about bone health from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health: www.medlineplus.gov. Also you can take a risk-factor questionnaire from The National Osteoporosis Foundation: www.nof.org/osteoporosis.
Wearable weights are another way to promote stronger bone density. Body Togs are wearable weighted sleeves worn under your clothing on your arms and legs (scientifically based) all day long while going about your business. You can find Body Togs at: http://www.womenspersonalfitness.net/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=76&zenid=ad944dff25a747d9774768dc2d1a7a21