Preventing Osteoporosis

Preventing osteoporosis is what all physicians will stress upon as the disease itself is difficult to reverse and usually progressive. Osteoporosis is a disease that commonly affects postmenopausal women, although it can be found in men as well as in those who may have certain underlying conditions. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that gradually diminishes the proteins in the bones, causing brittle bones, fractures and breakage.

Measures that Help in Preventing Osteoporosis

There are several things that a person can do for preventing osteoporosis. Most doctors will recommend that women, especially those who are predisposed to the condition due to heredity factors, take proper precautions early in life to make sure that they maintain good bone health as this is imperative when it comes to preventing osteoporosis.

These measures include the following for preventing osteoporosis:

Eating a healthy diet rich in calcium
Getting enough Vitamin D to absorb calcium
Following a regular exercise routine
Getting a bone density scan no later than the age of 65

All of these measures together can work towards preventing osteoporosis. Eating right and exercising, as well as making sure that calcium and Vitamin D are part of the diet are measures that most doctors will recommend to women as early as their 20s to make sure that they can prevent this disease.

Bone Density Scan

A bone density scan can help diagnose conditions the can be precursors to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is defined by having bone mineral density less than 2.5 below the standard levels. Those who undergo a bone density scan early and discover that their bone mineral levels are lower than normal can reverse the condition in several different ways. One of these ways is to start eating a healthier diet that is rich in calcium foods as well as exercising while avoiding foods that can be detrimental to bone health.

Doctors recommend a bone density scan for women at the age of 65. However, those who may have underlying conditions or who have a first degree relative, such as a mother or sister who has osteoporosis, may want to consider asking the doctor for a bone density scan sooner so that they can take measures in preventing osteoporosis. A bone density scan is usually done in the office of a doctor and can also be part of a yearly physical.

Using Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates are medications that can help those who may be on the verge of developing this condition get treatment and reverse the condition. In addition, bisphosphonates are also used in the treatment of osteoporosis once it has been diagnosed. One of the most common of the bisphosphonates on the market is Fosamax. This is usually the first drug prescribed for women to reverse the condition of osteoporosis. Another of the bisphosphonates is Boniva, which has also shown great promise in the treatment as well as the reversal of osteoporosis.

If you are concerned about getting osteoporosis, you should discuss prevention methods as well as treatments with your doctor. Your doctor may want to do a bone scan to see if you have this condition. If you are predisposed to the condition and are post menopausal, he or she may recommend taking bisphosphonates as a way to prevent the disease. In addition to using bisphosphonates for this condition, a proper diet, exercise, as well as a regular bone scan is recommended for women who have or may be on the verge of osteoporosis.