Originally published February 21 2006
Canadians learn that exercise is the key to beating osteoporosis
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The Toronto Star interviews Dr. Robert Josse, director of the osteoporosis clinic at St. Michael's Hospital and a professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, who offers his expertise on how to avoid osteoporosis later in life by establishing an active lifestyle.
It's never too late to bone up on bone hygiene.
Osteoporosis experts say there are many things we can do to maintain and improve the health of our bones --- practices that begin in youth and continue throughout our lives.
Osteoporosis is often called the silent disease, because there are no symptoms until it is well established.
Dr. Robert Josse, director of the osteoporosis clinic at St. Michael's Hospital and a professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, describes it as "a systemic skeletal disease that occurs in all the bones of the body to some extent, and is characterized by compromised bone strength, predisposing the person to an increased risk of bone fracture."
Although genetics play a big role in determining who will develop the disease, Josse says lifestyle decisions are crucial to leading healthy, active lives, even with osteoporosis.
Her sister Janet, a member of the Niagara chapter of Osteoporosis Canada, keeps limber and strong with aqua-fit classes and lots of walking.
Both women take vitamin D (which can also be derived naturally from sunshine), calcium supplements and multiple vitamins, as well as medications specifically for osteoporosis.
De Groot was diagnosed during a medical checkup in 1996 and immediately contacted her sisters to warn them that they, too, should be checked.
And we were very active; our whole family worked on the farm."
Although tests used in clinical practice measure only bone density, Josse emphasizes there are two factors to consider in evaluating strength: bone density or quantity, and bone quality.
"It's a combination of both these processes that can lead to an increase in risk of fracture.
Bisphosphonates are a family of drugs that bind to the bone surface and slow bone erosion, increase bone density and help prevent fractures.
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