Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic disease, characterized by weakened bone strength that makes fractures more likely to occur. As people age, bones gradually deteriorate, leading to fractures even from minor impacts.

The problem is that because the incubation period before complications appear is long, no one realizes they have osteoporosis. This is also why osteoporosis is called the "silent thief." Experts agree that we should pay attention to our bones and manage them consistently.

 

Photo source = Pixabay © Provided by Maeil Business Newspaper

 

Bones are not static; they are tissues that constantly undergo absorption and formation throughout life. About 70% of the total bone mass is genetically determined, while the remaining 30% is influenced by environmental factors. Typically, the period when the body has the maximum amount of bone is in the 20s. Generally, men have more bone mass than women, but as age increases, everyone experiences a decrease in bone mass.

Professor Ha Jung-hoon of the Department of Endocrinology at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University, stated, "In men, a significant portion of bone loss is due to poor lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption and lack of exercise," and added, "Bone loss in women increases markedly after menopause due to a rapid decline in female hormones, especially during the first five years of menopause."

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the National Health Insurance Service on the 5th, the number of osteoporosis patients in the country has approached 1.2 million this year. This is a 24% increase from approximately 970,000 in 2018. As of last year, when looking at osteoporosis patients by gender, women accounted for about 1.12 million, or approximately 94.4%. Men were counted at around 70,000 (5.6%).

The problem is that only 10% of osteoporosis patients receive proper treatment, while the remaining 90% are left untreated. It is also frequently pointed out that it is very rare for patients to maintain their treatment consistently after starting it. Professor Ha stated, "Once a fracture occurs, there is a high likelihood of it leading to another fracture, ultimately reducing quality of life," and added, "Especially when a femoral fracture occurs, 3 to 4 out of 10 people die within a year, which has a mortality rate comparable to that of some solid cancers."

Experts emphasize that patients must make active efforts to prevent fractures. Treatments for osteoporosis are available in various forms, including daily oral medications, weekly doses, monthly doses, subcutaneous injections every six months, and annual injections.

 

Photo source = Pixabay © Provided by Maeil Business Newspaper

 

There is also an opinion that it is more important to consistently do simple exercises in daily life to maintain bone health rather than relying solely on medication.

Professor Ha said, "Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day at an appropriate intensity, at least three times a week, is beneficial for bone health," and "especially, weight-bearing exercises such as light jump rope or light running are good." He added, "To prevent falls, exercises that improve balance and muscle strength are necessary." However, elderly osteoporosis patients should be cautious, as exercising too strenuously can actually increase the risk of falls.

According to the Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research, adults under 50 should consume 1,000 mg of calcium daily, while those over 50 should consume 1,200 mg. Calcium is abundant in milk, dairy products, and fish eaten with bones. In particular, one cup of milk contains as much as 224 mg of calcium, so drinking one glass of milk a day greatly helps maintain bone health.

In addition, vitamin D helps the intestines absorb calcium effectively. It is recommended that adults over 50 consume 800 IU of vitamin D daily. Vitamin D is abundant in oily fish such as mackerel, tuna, and salmon, as well as in cheese. Getting enough sunlight also aids in vitamin D synthesis. Simply exposing your arms and legs to sunlight for about 30 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day can produce most of the vitamin D your body needs.

Professor Ha said, "Osteoporosis comes silently, but the incidence rate noticeably increases from age 50," and added, "In an era where people live to 100, we must work hard to prevent fractures for half of our lives."

===============

Osteoporosis comes quietly without any warning.

People who like milk prefer milk...

Or maybe I should take vitamin D.

The incidence rate noticeably increases from age 50?

It's scary. It's like a hole forming in the bone.