Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall or, in serious cases, from sneezing or minor bumps.
Osteoporosis means “porous bone.” Viewed under a microscope, healthy bone looks like a honeycomb. When osteoporosis occurs, the holes and spaces in the honeycomb are much larger than in healthy bone. Osteoporotic bones have lost density or mass and contain abnormal tissue structure. As bones become less dense, they weaken and are more likely to break. If you’re 50 or older and have broken a bone, ask your doctor or healthcare provider about a bone density test.
From the National Osteoporosis Foundation – “A combination of age-related changes, inactivity, poor nutrition conspire to weaken bones over time, with bone mass declining at an average rate of 1% per year after age 40. About 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, which is defined by weak and porous bones and another 34 million are at risk for it. About half of all women older than 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis.
Fractures of the legs and pelvis due to falls are a significant public health problem, especially in elderly women, leading to significant medical costs, the inability to live independently, and even the risk of death. Hip fractures are usually the most serious. One-fifth of seniors who break a hip will die within a year from complications.
From the Mayo Clinic – “Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses such as bending over or coughing can cause a fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine.
Osteoporosis affects men and women of all races. But white and Asian women — especially older women who are past menopause — are at highest risk. Medications, healthy diet and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones.”
Weight-bearing describes any activity you do on your feet that works your bones and muscles against gravity. When you do regular weight-bearing exercise, your bone adapts to the impact of weight and pull of muscle by building more cells and becoming stronger.
It’s never too late to start a bone-healthy exercise program, even if you already have osteoporosis. Wearing The NYK Weighted Osteoporosis Vest is one of the easiest ways to incorporate a bone strengthening workout into your everyday life. Get your NYK Weighted Osteoporosis Vest today!