RD M ost people don't realize the real reason for many fractures of the hip, spine and wrist. Persons with disabilities which involve limitation of movement are especially prone to bone loss due to inactivity, prolonged casting or splinting, or paralysis.
Osteoporosis occurs over a long period of time and often goes undetected until the fracture occurs.
Nutrition is a key factor in maintaining bone health and quality of life. When thinking about osteoporosis, calcium, especially from dairy products, is what comes to most people's minds. It was once thought that after young adulthood calcium was of questionable benefit but newer research and recommendations suggest otherwise. It has also been found that lifetime attention to good calcium intake decreases the incidence of osteoporosis at an advanced age. In 1994 the National Institutes of Health put together a panel of calcium experts and came up with new recommendations that cover the life cycle.