Osteoporosis is often referred to as the silent disease because there are usually no obvious symptoms until a fracture occurs, which can be potentially life-threatening.
[Around] 50 per cent of people who have a hip fracture will end up in a nursing home, Mansberg warns. [Meanwhile], 15 per cent will die within four months of the fracture.
Thats why a bone density test is super important. A Medicare rebate is available for people 70 years or over, who have an overactive thyroid, coeliac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, liver or kidney disease, previously diagnosed with osteoporosis and women with early menopause, she explains.
if anyone reads this and thinks I dont know if I should be having a bone density scan go [and] talk to your doctor [about it].
And while there are no symptoms of the condition, Mansberg explains that a loss of height is a sign of a spine fracture, which may be caused by osteoporosis.
There are many risk factors that may increase your chances of developing osteoporosis, and age is one of them. The older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis.
Statistically,osteoporosis is more common in women, according to Mansberg, because oestrogen levels which protect against bone loss rapidly decline during menopause. Studies suggest that one in three women will suffer a bone fracture due to osteoporosis.
[For some women], the vast majority of bone loss happens in the first four years after menopause, she explains.
A family history of osteoporosis may also make you more susceptible to the condition, as can inadequate amounts of dietary calcium, low vitamin D levels, lack of physical exercise and early menopause. People who drink heavily or smoke are also more likely to develop osteoporosis.
The good news is osteoporosis is largely preventable. Eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of calcium, getting adequate vitamin D and performing regular, weight-bearing exercises are all important for healthy bones.
Dont know where to start? Some examples of moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, water aerobics, ballroom dancing and gardening. Its also important to incorporate weight training into your weekly fitness routine.
Mansberg also recommends hazard-proofing your home to prevent the risk of falling. Secure loose rugs or bathmats with doubled-sided tape, repair loose floorboards and carpeting or add a hand rail in the shower.
If you feel like youre not steady on your feet or mum isnt steady on her feet, I would strongly suggest getting someone to walk through your house and look for trigger points, she advises.
While theres no cure for osteoporosis, the same lifestyle changes used to prevent it may help to slow down its progression. Its a good idea to consult a doctor who can prescribe medications to help treat osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures.
Important information: The information provided on this website is of a general nature and information purposes only. It does not take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. It is not personalised health advice and must not be relied upon as such. Before making any decisions about your health or changes to medication, diet and exercise routines you should determine whether the information is appropriate in terms of your particular circumstances and seek advice from a medical professional.
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Preventing osteoporosis: What you need to know about the 'silent disease' - Starts at 60
