回复：How to deal with Osteopenia?

How to Handle an Osteopenia Diagnosis  希望能有所帮助。

You may have been told you have osteopenia — the early stage of bone loss — but you don't have to let your diagnosis get you down. All you need to do to stay well is make a few simple changes, which are also basic steps to improving your overall health. You don't need to give up activities that you enjoy because of an osteopenia diagnosis — you just need to take better care of your bones to prevent further bone loss. Don't look at the diagnosis as a huge negative or a sign of aging. If anything, people diagnosed with osteopenia should look at the diagnosis as a motivator to live a healthier life.

Once a person has hit middle age,  most have spent years taking care of children or aging parents. Being diagnosed with osteopenia can remind you to pay attention to yourself again and renew your attention to your own health.

The first step toward finding out how to improve your health is to talk to your doctor and ask about your specific risks. Focus on what you can do to protect yourself, instead of what you're afraid you can't do because of osteopenia. Find out what you can do to help prevent further bone loss or a more severe bone condition, like osteoporosis.

Steps to Managing Osteopenia

First, it's important to maintain a healthy body weight because being too thin or too heavy can affect your risk of fracture. In addition to staying at a healthy weight, you'll want to make sure you get weight-bearing exercise, like jogging, walking, or dancing, to help strengthen your bones. A balanced diet full of vitamin D and calcium supplements can aid in bone health as well.

Because smokers absorb less calcium, which can contribute to weakened bones, it's a good idea to quit or avoid smoking. Drinking too much alcohol has also been shown to increase the chance of fractures and bone loss.

Your doctor will talk to you about whether medications to slow bone loss are appropriate for you.

Prevent Falls, Prevent Fractures

One of the biggest changes to make after an osteopenia diagnosis is to reduce your risk of falling. To stay on your feet and prevent falls, be sure to:

• Get your eyes checked regularly.
• Improve your balance with activities like tai chi and yoga.
• Wear sturdy shoes that won't slip, and always tie your shoelaces tightly.
• Never walk in stockings on slippery surfaces.
• Make sure that your home is carefully arranged and free of tripping hazards — rugs, cords, and furniture should be secured so that you don't slip or trip.
• Use well-secured, non-slip mats next to the bathtub and a non-skid mat or decals in the tub.

Osteopenia, and your bone health in general, should be taken seriously. These healthy lifestyle changes need to become part of your everyday routine. So start now to get healthy and stay strong — your bones will thank you for it.

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• 回Thanks a lot! I appreciate it. -little.me- ♀ (0 bytes) () 09/26/2012 postreply 20:13:27