How to live with Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes the bones to deteriorate. They become brittle and not strong. Simple tasks like bending and walking become difficult. Being female, getting older, low body weight, menopause, and smoking are some risk factors.

Osteoporosis is not just for the old; in fact young people get this disease as well. Especially, if it is hereditary. My grandma had it, my mother has it, and now I have it. I am only 29.

It may seem like all is lost when you hear the news that you have this bone problem but I am here to tell you the good news. Yes, there are some good news!

You can live with osteoporosis! Yes, you can!

All you have to do is eat the right foods that will make your bones strong. Here is a list of yummy foods to add to your diet:

• Milk is a great source of calcium.
• Don't like milk? Stock up on yogurt and cheese! Another great source of calcium.
• Sardines gives you more calcium than a cup of milk!
• Don't forget your greens! Choose the dark leafy greens like bok choy, Chinese cabbage, Kale, turnip greens and collard greens. These greens pack a calcium punch!
• Fortified foods like cereal and orange juice can give you the same amount of calcium as milk.
• Soy foods like soy milk and tofu are more great ways to get more delicious calcium! Yum! Yum!

Exercise is another way of living healthier with osteoporosis. Here are a few moves to get you going:

• If your osteoporosis is not severe then you can do weight bearing exercises and weight bearing exercises is any exercise where you are standing on your feet; like tennis or ping pong!
• Lifting weights and doing resistance exercises can build bone and muscle mass at the same time!
• Dancing strengthens your heart, muscles, and bones! Also it keeps you on your feet having a good time!
• Doing yard work, carrying a watering can, picking up debris can increase your strength but if your osteoporosis is severe it may not be a good ideal for you because spine fractions can occur, so check with your doctor first.
• Walking is good for your bones and heart! Give it a go!

When you have osteoporosis you don't want to fall because that will make the pain worse so here are some tips to prevent falling:

• Exercise because it improves your strength, flexibility, and balance.
• Talk to your doctor about your medications because some medicine can make you dizzy or drowsy which can increase your chances of taking a tumble.
• Watch your step. If sidewalks are slippery walk on the grass. Carry kitty litter or salt for ice for better traction on slippery paths.
• Wear shoes even indoors because walking barefoot or even with socks can increase your chance of falling. Make sure the heels are low and slip resistant.
• Clear the clutter. Remove obstacles that will make you fall.
• Go slow, take your time when getting out of bed. More accidents happen when being in a hurry.

See I told you it was good news. You can live with osteoporosis and you can live smart.

Remember to always check with your doctor before taking up any new exercise or diet.

Live well.