Originally published January 12 2006
Nurse promotes awareness and prevention of osteoporosis
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
During National Osteoporosis Month, nurse Theresa Ko-Cheung has been promoting awareness and prevention methods that include weight lifting and calcium supplements, both aimed at helping adults maintain their bone density, a vital factor in staving off osteoporosis.
By altering your lifestyle, you can prevent one of the most common diseases, a public health nurse said.
Osteoporosis, a debilitating disease caused by gradual loss of bone tissue, affects an estimated 1.4 million Canadians with 25 per cent of women and one in eight men 50 and older currently living with the condition.
"The most important message about osteoporosis is that it is preventable," public health nurse Theresa Ko-Cheung said.
"If people were to start early by making sure they get enough calcium and do enough weight-bearing activities, they could avoid osteoporosis.
It is not an old age disease."
It results in porous and brittle bones, increasing the possibility of bone fractures and breaks.
Known as the "silent thief" because bone loss occurs without any symptoms, the disease is brought on by factors including, aging, family history, longterm use of steroids, previous fractures, prolonged sex hormone deficiencies and medical conditions that inhibit absorption of nutrients.
Avoiding tobacco use and exposure to second hand smoke, limiting caffeine and alcohol and choosing foods rich in calcium and vitamin D will help build stronger bones, Ms Ko-Cheung said.
Being active and participating in moderate exercise and resistance activities also strengthens muscles and bones.
"That doesn't necessarily mean weight lifting," she said.
The daily calcium requirement for healthy adults aged 19 to 50 is 1,000 mg.
Those over 50 should increase their daily intake to the 1,200 to 1,500 mg range.
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