(Osteoporosis) A good test to get now... "You can avoid hospitalization."

As the weather gets colder, our bodies often shrink, muscles tense, and movement becomes less common. Elderly people, in particular, are prone to falls during the fall and winter months. To avoid major problems, including surgery, it's important to check your bone health now. A prime example is osteoporosis. In fact, as of 2023, the number of osteoporotic fractures in Korea continues to rise, more than quadrupling compared to 20 years ago.

◇ Menopausal women at risk… should get a bone density test

 

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bone tissue becomes porous. It's a dangerous condition in which bone mass and density decrease, making bones more susceptible to fractures. As people age, their vision, hearing, and balance deteriorate, making them more prone to falls. People with osteoporosis are particularly susceptible to falls, making them more susceptible to fractures in the spine, hips, and wrists, requiring extra caution. This can lead to physical changes such as a hunched back or loss of height. Because bone fractures take a significant amount of time to heal, it's crucial to maintain bone health from middle age onward to prevent fractures.

However, osteoporosis is often difficult to recognize until a fracture or complications occur, leading to untreated conditions. A survey conducted by the Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research of 1,000 women in their 50s to 70s found that seven out of ten (72%) had never been screened for osteoporosis.

 

Middle-aged women, especially around menopause, experience emotional and physical changes that can negatively impact bone health. Postmenopausal women and men over 50 are recommended to undergo a bone density test. Those at risk include those with a family history of osteoporotic fractures, early menopause, chronic illness, long-term medication use, or excessive drinking and smoking. Therefore, they should also undergo testing. If diagnosed with osteoporosis, treatment should begin immediately.

◇You need to take calcium and vitamin D and do strength training.

If you've been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you should consistently take medication to increase bone density. Osteoporosis is a disease that requires ongoing, lifelong treatment, even if symptoms subside. To prevent fractures and refractures due to osteoporosis, medications such as bone resorption inhibitors and bone formation promoters are essential, along with a diet focused on calcium and vitamin D, appropriate strength training, and post-fracture rehabilitation.

Especially in the fall, when sunlight is reduced and vitamin D absorption is limited, it's crucial to pay extra attention to osteoporosis management. Postmenopausal women, who are at high risk for osteoporosis, are advised to practice healthy lifestyle habits, including calcium and vitamin D intake, regular exercise, and sunbathing.

 

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The weather is getting colder and colder

My clothes are like that, and my body feels a bit dull.

 

It's dangerous to hurt your bones like this~

I've never had a notarized test done just in case.

 

I think it would be a good idea to try it out in advance.

 

It's sunny today

I guess I should start by getting some sunlight.