5 Steps for Bone Health - Steps 4 & 5

Step 4 - Talk to Your Doctor

Step 5 - Have a Bone Density Test

 

In conclusion of the 5 step series for stronger bones, the final two steps are also a very important part of overall bone health. 

 

Step 4  Talk to Your Healthcare Professional  

Don?t wait until you think you are ?old enough?.  No age is too young to find out if you are at risk.  It?s very important that you start discussing how to prevent osteoporosis at an early age, especially if you are at a higher risk.  There are several factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis and broken bones.  Read through these and give yourself a strike for each one that pertains to you.

 

Female ? Strike one for meSmall and thin ? not so much, I guess this is one time I?m glad I?m not!Certain ethnicity such as Caucasian or Asian, although Hispanics and African Americans are also at risk ? Strike twoFamily history of osteoporosis or broken bones ? Strike three for me, my grandmother has severe osteoporosisPoor diet with low calcium and vitamin D intake and excessive intake of protein, sodium and caffeine ? Strike four ? I?m lactose intolerant so I do not eat dairy, plus I live in the Northwest where we get sun 2 months a year and I love caffeine!Lack of exercise or activity ? this one I do pretty well on with walking, hiking, gardening at least once a dayCertain medications such as steroids, some anticonvulsants and others ? thankfully, I do not take any medicationsCertain diseases and conditions such as anorexia nervosa, asthma and others ? thankfully, no for meNot taking any calcium or Vitamin D supplements ? I try to remember everyday!

I have four strikes against me ? how many do you have?  All it takes is one.  Even if you don?t have any, it?s still important to talk with your doctor and make to take a high quality liquid calcium supplement with Vitamin D each day.  A liquid is much easier to swallow and more absorbable.  This will help ensure you are at least getting what you need each day to help prevent osteoporosis and protect your bone and joint health.

 

Step 5 ? Get a Bone Density Test

That brings us to the final Step 5, if appropriate, get a bone density test to determine how healthy your bones actually are.  A bone density test can identify if you have osteoporosis and determine your risk for fractures and monitor your response to an osteoporosis treatment.  The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) has more info.  When you get the results of your bone density test, you and your doctor can determine what treatment steps are right for you and what do the numbers mean.  Make sure to discuss all your options thoroughly.

 

Make an appointment today and find out if your bones are healthy.  Also, make sure to follow each of the 5 steps to ensure healthy bones now and in the future.  I know I am going to try very hard to follow all 5 steps.  Please join me!

 

 

 

 

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http://blog.wellesse.com/blog/vital-to-health-and-wellness-blog/0/0/5-steps-for-b
one-health---steps-4--5

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