Learn More About Low Bone Density

 

If you have had a bone density test that came back with a diagnosis of osteopenia, you probably want to know how worried should you be. Bone density refers to the mass and strength of the bone and “osteopenia refers to having low bone density when compared to others of the same age.” Doctors explain that the biggest risk of osteopenia is it can lead to the more harmful disease of osteoporosis. Patients with osteoporosis have an even lower bone density that results in bones becoming fragile and easily fractured.

The CDC reports that 54 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis but many more have osteopenia. In fact, the Harvard Medical School says half of all people over the age of 50 in the US have osteopenia. Risk factors include women, especially those who have gone through menopause; however, one-third of white men and Asian men over the age of 50 have osteopenia. Other risk factors include smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, a diet low in vitamin D, and certain medications as well as certain medical conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and others.

Medical experts warn that most people do not have any idea they have osteopenia until they have a bone density test. Most commonly the test is done by a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and uses a low-energy X-ray to painlessly assess the level of calcium in the bones.

Recommendations to improve bone density include eating foods high in calcium such as leafy green vegetables and dairy as well as foods high in vitamin D including oily or fatty fish, mackerel and fortified cereal. Exercise also play a role in preventing the loss of bone density and may even help to improve the situation. Doctors say your regimen should include weight bearing and strengthening exercises. There are medications to deal with the condition but are not typically prescribed until a person has osteoporosis.

At MorningStar at Jordan, a senior living community in Centennial, CO, we offer assisted living and memory care. We provide residents with nutritional, tasty meals as well as suitable exercise programs and activities to help them stay fit. Visit our website to see more about the wide range of resort-style amenities and services we provide to ensure the comfort, wellness and security of our residents.

MorningStar at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Contact us for more information about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.