Do's and Dont's with Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes a persons bones to become thin and weak over time. Osteoporosis is more likely to occur in women after menopause because the estrogen hormones are declining. Estrogen helps women maintain bone strength, so with declining estrogen levels the bones can become weaker and more fragile. Since the bones are so fragile and thin, it can be easy to injury oneself or break a bone. However, there are things you can do to keep your bones stronger and prevent further bones loss. First, it is important to assess your risk factors and learn how bones change over time as you get older. Next, make sure your diet has enough calcium, avoid alcohol, and do not smoke so your bones can stay as strong as possible. Lastly, get plenty of exercise and make sure you are living in a safe environment so you can prevent any accidents from happening.  Also, talk to a healthcare professional about the ways you can fight bone loss and osteoporosis. 

Do’s
walk or climb stairs when possible 
pay attention to proper posture
when standing in one place for a long period of time, keep the knees and feet about hip width apart
bend from the hips and knees NOT the waist 
Don’ts
walk or exercise of slippery surfaces
wear backless bedroom shoes or shoes with slippery soles 
slouch when standing, walking, or sitting
sit in a deep cushioned chair or couch 
move too quickly
engage in activities that require a twisting of the spine or bend from the waist(sit-ups, toe touches, golf)
finish a task if you feel short of breath, fatigued, or in any pain
sit in a chair or bed for an extended period of time