Osteoporosis Chronic Disease Bladder Control Osteoporosis is the loss of bone mass. This disease leads to reduced bone strength, increasing the risk of bone fractures. Women are at higher risk for osteoporosis because they have less bone mass than men. It is a continuous process that can decrease your ability to heavy objects, from groceries to children. In advanced stages, it can also be crippling and painful, and in some cases disfiguring.
Prevention is the best solution.
Some new drug therapies are just now becoming available, but by just taking a few simple steps now, can make a big difference. Calcium is the one known factor to help with osteoporosis and maintain healthy bones. Women 11 and 24 should take between 1,200-1,500 milligrams of calcium every day. Milk, cheese and yogurt are excellent sources, as are calcium fortified foods, such as orange juice, cereal and some vegetables and seafood. Walking, jogging, tennis and other racquet sports are helpful in strengthening the bones, as are aerobics, dancing, climbing stairs, and lifting weights.