Osteoporosis is a silent disease / Recommendations for reducing the symptoms of osteoporosis

According to Fars News Agency’s Health Group, Bahram Ainollahi, Minister of Health, Treatment and Medical Education, in a message on the occasion of World Osteoporosis Day, while emphasizing the role and importance of this disease on human quality of life, called it a silent disease that Fractures usually do not show any signs or symptoms.

The full text of the message of the Minister of Health is as follows;

The world today, with all its visible and hidden manifestations and achievements, has presented many opportunities and challenges to human life. On the one hand, increasing social facilities, increasing production of science and technology, improving life patterns and access to new therapies and drugs have increased the life expectancy index and the movement of societies towards aging, and on the other hand, due to lifestyle changes, use From ready and inorganic nutrition, wrong habits and consumption of harmful products, distance from nature and apartment living, reduction of physical activity, increasing consumption of some medicinal products such as steroids, the effect of increasing production and exposure to environmental pollutants, all cause The quality of life has deteriorated, especially for the elderly. One of the ominous effects of this widespread change in human lifestyle is an increase in cases of osteoporosis. October 20 is designated as World Osteoporosis Day to emphasize the important role of this disease in the quality of human life.

Osteoporosis is a “silent disease”

Osteoporosis is a “silent disease” and usually has no signs or symptoms until a fracture occurs. Fractures are the most important and serious consequences of osteoporosis. Fractures due to osteoporosis can cause significant disability and loss of quality of life. About 5.8 million years are lost annually in the world due to fractures due to osteoporosis. One in three women over the age of 50 and one in five men over the age of 50 experience a fracture due to osteoporosis. Our country’s share of osteoporosis fractures is 170,000 cases and 4,000 deaths per year. Out of every 10 people who develop a hip fracture, 2 die within 6 months of the fracture. Research shows that more than half (62%) of women and about a third of men over 60 have the disease. Spinal curvature and a 4 cm reduction in height are signs of osteoporosis in the elderly.

The strength of our body’s bones is determined by two main factors: bone density and bone quality; The four golden tips for improving bone and muscle health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis include a combination of exercise, a diet rich in calcium, protein, and a vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D deficiency is common and even with a healthy diet we can not make up for it. Despite the need for vitamin D in old age, unfortunately, the production of this vitamin in the skin decreases with age, and the elderly have a 4-fold reduction in the production capacity of vitamin D in the skin compared to young people. Smoking, alcohol consumption and drinking sugary drinks are some of the factors that negatively affect bone health. Smoking alone doubles the risk of hip fractures.

Going out and reducing the negative effects of this situation depends on our determination to provide more healthy living conditions and improve the quality of life. Early diagnosis of osteoporosis is very important, so after the age of 50, we should dedicate one of the reasons to see a doctor to this issue.

Some tips to reduce the symptoms of osteoporosis

Clinical examination and risk factors for osteoporosis are recommended in all women over 50 and men over 70. Throughout the life cycle, there is a strong positive relationship between physical activity and bone health, which has unfortunately declined sharply during the corona pandemic. 4 hours of brisk walking a week reduces the risk of fractures in the thigh area, avoid sitting for long periods of time if possible. Instead of using cars or public transportation, walk short distances. Adequate intake of calcium, protein and vitamin D and regular physical activity and strengthening of muscle strength are also part of the treatment protocol. If we are exposed to sunlight for less than 10 minutes a day and do not take vitamin D supplements, we are at risk for osteoporosis. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for people who are at risk for osteoporosis and generally for all people aged 60 and older, 1000 units per day. Care should be taken not to take higher doses than recommended. Also, observing the principles of ergonomics and safety of the environment, the type of materials and architecture, arrangement of equipment and the use of mobility, protective and safety equipment in order to prevent slipping, falling and increasing injury to people at risk seems necessary.

By summarizing the foregoing points and in order to achieve these goals, it is essential to increase lifestyle modifications, healthy eating patterns, self-care practices, nutrition counselors’ recommendations, quit harmful habits, and the potential capacity of new information technologies to increase Benefit from health literacy and ….

The need for early detection of osteoporosis

Early detection of this complication helps in the prevention of lesions, and for this occasion, the slogan of Bone Health Week in 1400 is dedicated to “controlling osteoporosis with timely diagnosis.” We hope that by relying on these scientific teachings, we will succeed in realizing a healthy society and generations.

End of message /

You can edit this post