Disabilities
Fact
If you have a physical disability, you are at higher risk for osteoporosis than other people.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis
is a disease that causes bones to become thin and weak, often resulting
in fractures (broken bones). The most common breaks are in the hip,
spine or wrist. Osteoporosis is called a silent disease because many
people do not even know they have thin bones until one breaks.
Why is this important to me?
Recent
advances in medicine and health care allow people with disabilities to
live longer. Now, people with disabilities face the same chronic
conditions as the rest of the aging population, but often at an earlier
age.
Who is at risk for osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis
can happen to anyone; the disease has no age, gender, or ethnic
boundaries. Osteoporosis most commonly affects the elderly and
postmenopausal women and persons of Caucasian or Asian descent. This
does not mean that others are not at risk for osteoporosis. Men,
African Americans, and other populations get osteoporosis too; they are
just at a slightly lower risk. Your genetic make-up can contribute to
your risk for osteoporosis especially if you have relatives who have
had osteoporosis (broken bones of the hip, wrist or spine without major
trauma, a height loss of more than 1.5 inches, or stooped posture).
Individuals with disabilities are at a higher risk for bone loss and
fractures for a number of reasons.
Why are people with disabilities at higher risk?
- When
your physical activity is limited, you are less likely to build and
maintain bone mass through muscle-strengthening and weight-bearing
activities.
- Certain medications that are necessary and
prescribed more often for people with disablities may contribute to
bone loss. Some of these mediations include steroid medications
(prednisone or cortisone) taken for more than 3 months or some
medications used to treat seizure disorders or depression (dilantin,
depakote, and others). If you are taking a medication that may cause
bone loss, discuss your concerns with your doctor or medical
professional. Do not stop or change the way you take any medication
without medical advice.
How can I protect my bone health?
Make
a commitment to build strong bones that will last a lifetime. Choose
bone-healthy habits that will enable you to build bone mass in youth
and maintain it throughout your lifetime. A healthy diet rich in
calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening
activities to the extent of your abilities, and other healthy lifestyle
choices are the keys to building and keeping strong bones. Tobacco products are bad for your overall health, including your bone health.
If you are a smoker and decide to continue to smoke, you are increasing
your risk of developing osteoporosis, and may also increase your risk
for fracture. People who consume too much alcohol tend to have poor nutrition and an increased risk for injury related to falling.
How can I get more information about promoting healthy bones?
For more tips on promoting healthy bones, talk with your medical professional. You may also contact your local NYSOPEP center.
For more information about disabilities and health, click on http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/prevent/main.htm
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