Brittle bones? Here’s what to do to control osteoporosis

Almost five million Italians over 60 deal with bone fragility and are at risk of fragility fractures. But prevention can go a long way in reducing the risk of fractures after minimal trauma, which can primarily affect long bones and vertebrae. It is necessary to pay attention to nutrition (from an early age) to move regularly and follow the doctor’s advice not to “forget” any prescribed therapies.

Why osteoporosis arises

Osteoporosis is due to the progressive aging of the bone that loses both the protein component, the columns, and the mineral component, the cement of the skeleton: in practice the skeletal scaffold which is the one that supports us in an upright position and allows us to counteract strength of gravity, which otherwise would crush us.

“The disease is related to loss of the protein and mineral component of bones, more frequent in old age, in women in general after menopause due to the lack of estrogen, hormones that stimulate bone formation, but it can also occur in younger patients who have taken drug therapies for autoimmune or oncological diseases “- explains Annamaria Colao, President-elect SIE – Italian Society of Endocrinology, Full Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Federico II University of Naples and member of the Scientific Committee of DiLei Take Care.

“This is why it is important to carry out periodic checks on the skeleton because for all of us it is a marker of general good health: if the bones are well it means that the individual has grown well, fed well and exercised enough. So, he had a healthy lifestyle ”.

The problem is prevalent in women, for whom menopause marks a watershed in bone health, but men are affected too. Probably while women are more sensitive to this issue, the man has no idea. Prevention is essential, and it is made above all of healthy habits.

“The best preventive weapon is proper nutrition rich in protein, calcium and fresh products as well as exercise: I remember that bone forms and transforms every day with movement – remember. Sedentary people lose bone mass, those who do a lot of physical activity build bone component. If we want to have a strong and quality skeleton since we are little we must eat well and get active. After a certain age it is important to check the intake of vitamin D. When all these attentions are not enough, then there are numerous effective therapies in preventing fragility fractures ”.

A campaign to “save the bones”

Risk related to osteoporosis has a name: fragility fracture. “In Italy there are 560,000 fragility fractures secondary to osteoporosis every year, of which about half are fractures of the femur – the expert continues. And following a fragility fracture, patients are five times more likely to suffer a second fracture within the next two years. “

Information and knowledge are the most effective weapons to limit risks. The awareness campaign reminds us of this “Make your bones win”, which is aimed in particular at women over 65 and those over 45 who today have the role of following other people but who must also begin to consider the health of their bones.

Testimonial of the initiative is Loretta Goggi, interpreter of the spot that will relaunch the claim of the campaign: “If you suffer from osteoporosis, therapy is not a game, follow it”. In addition, an information service has been activated through the toll-free number 800.888.844, active since November 17: bone specialists, selected by the scientific partner societies of the initiative, will be able to answer directly the doubts and questions of citizens on bone fragility and on the risks of fragility fractures.

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