Myths About Osteoporosis!

Bone health is most important for each and every one of us. It is time to debunk some of the myths regarding this health concern. Osteoporosis is usually a ‘silent killer’ due to which we must look for the signs and ask people to seek treatment for osteoporosis early.

1. If you think osteoporosis is only a concern for the elderly, you are very much wrong. Osteoporosis can be secretly affecting you in your 20s, 30s and 40s. While for some people it may happen later, for some it happens at an early age. Certain medications, steroids, smoking and drinking can lead to this condition.

2. Osteoporosis is a normal ageing condition. This is wrong because not every older person develops osteoporosis. Humans lose some bone density with age but that does not necessarily cause osteoporosis for all.

3. Only women get osteoporosis. While it is true that 80% of women suffer from this condition compared to 20% men, it is also true that both men and women can have osteoporosis. For women, bone density usually starts decreasing with menopause. Though a man’s average bone density is more than a woman, he begins to lose bone mass with age, naturally.

4.  A diagnosis of osteoporosis is necessary only when you suffer a fracture. Osteoporosis is a “silent disease”, it occurs gradually and you may not notice any symptoms initially. The truth is bones break down and is replaced by new ones and as we get older, this process slows down. Weak bones are the major cause of a fall and fracture. It is thus recommended that you get a diagnosis done as you age and undergo proper treatment.

5. Osteoporosis drugs help to build strong bones. Medications to treat osteoporosis do not help build bones; they only activate the growth of new bone. For good bone health, you must have an active lifestyle, avoid smoking and drinking and take vitamin D and calcium.

6. Including calcium in your diet is better than supplements at protecting bone health. It is difficult to calculate your calcium intake from food, that’s why taking a calcium supplement regularly is a must.

7. Genetics determines who gets osteoporosis. Even though genetics play an important role here, this is not entirely true as anyone could develop osteoporosis irrespective of their family history.

8. If you drink milk and exercise, you are not at risk of developing osteoporosis. Drinking milk and regular exercise helps in maintaining strong bones but it alone cannot prevent osteoporosis.

Being aware of the importance of boosting bone-health starts with understanding the myths that prevail regarding osteoporosis. Eat healthily and exercise regularly to strengthen your bones.