Maintaining Bone Density Can Be A Lifesaver

By thaya | Jun 8, 2010 | 0 Comments | Rating: 0

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The baby boomer generation was once the picture of a youthful America. However, today it's members are approaching their golden years in staggering numbers. This generation encompasses those who were born from the year 1946 to 1964. During this era, 75.8 million people were born in the United States. In 1957 alone, there were 4.3 million babies born. As this prolific generation approaches their golden years, they are suffering from many of the common ailments that stricken most elderly people in general.

Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension and bone disorders are some of the most common health concerns seen today in the middle aged and elderly. Millions of women in the baby boomer generation have discovered that they are suffering from a loss of bone density. Osteoporosis and Osteopenia are two of the most common disorders responsible for bone loss in women today. However, physical fitness and a good diet can dramatically reduce the loss of bone mass that many women face as they age.

Perhaps the greatest asset that baby boomers have is their large numbers. In the past, health care for seniors did not include comprehensive treatments and preventative medicine for many conditions that elderly people suffer from. Millions of women experience bone loss due to the cessation of menstruation. Menopause causes great hormonal and metabolic imbalances in middle-aged women that if untreated can actually worsen over the years. However, there are several tests that can diagnose these imbalances and better treatments are available to keep women healthy as they advance in years. These treatments, procedures and preventative medicine have been created in large part due to the increasing numbers of women entering their post menopausal years.

Many postmenopausal women find that they are lacking in certain hormones and vitamins. Deficiencies in vitamin D are very common and can cause a lack of absorption of calcium that is vital for bone density. After menopause the metabolism of many women slows and becomes slightly more acidic. This increase in acidity is buffered by the calcium found in the bones. Over the years after menopause ends, the bones become increasingly thinner. This loss of bone density is called Osteopenia and often results in spontaneous fractures in which the most common bones effected, are the spinal vertebrae. Some women are found to have dents in many of their bones that resemble the holes of a sponge. This disorder is known as Osteoporosis. Calcium supplements along with high dosages of vitamin D can help stave off degenerative bone loss.

Another contributing factor in bone loss for males or females is a lack of exercise. Sedentary lifestyles can be debilitating and even deadly for those advancing in years. Exercise is not only beneficial for the bones, it is essential for a healthy cardiovascular system as well. Simply going for a 20 minute walk daily can be the best preventative measure against bone loss. A good diet with the proper supplements can also contribute to health and longevity. It is very important to visit a family doctor at least annually for a basic physical and health screening.

As the baby boomer era ages gracefully, there is a greater need for health education. Sometimes knowing how to prevent a loss of bone density is the first step in health maintenance and a good quality of life. The healthcare industry has come a long way in treating the millions of people who will become senior citizens very soon. However, knowledge and education is a key to a long and healthy life.

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