Osteoporosis is a disease very common with older people. It is often described as decrease in bone strength that may lead to broken bones. However, not everyone understands what causes this disease, how to prevent it and how to take care of oneself or others when they are diagnosed with this disease.
According to Yahoo Maktoob, a smart clinic was sponsored by the doctors of Dubai Health Authority in order to educate people about the history of the disease and preventive care. They shared and raised awareness about osteoporosis through regular smart clinic where they were able to spread information through social media accounts like DHA's Twitter, Instagram and through periscope.
The consultant and head of Elderly Care Unit in the DHA Primary Health Authority, Dr. Amal Al Jaziri said that osteoporosis is a disease of the bones. The bones become weak and brittle and are at a higher risk of breaking easily. There are a lot of risk factors and some diseases that can lead to osteoporosis. Women have a higher risk of being hit by this disease after the start of menopause; men are also at risk for this disease. At the age of 70, both men and women lose bone mass at the same rate and calcium absorption decreases for both sexes alike.
Jaziri added that women are more prone to developing osteoporosis after menopause because as the oestrogen level decreases, a new bone is not produced at the same rate and bone mass is reduced as well. This results in the thinning of the bones and finally, the development of osteoporosis. She stressed the importance of caring for their bone health at an early age especially women.
She said that bones are building up until the age of 30. During these years it is very important to have an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D in order to help increase the peak bone mass. After the age of 30, there is a gradual loss of bone and in women, these increases at the time of menopause. Therefore, it is very important to have a diet that is rich in calcium and vitamin D, have a regular exposure to sunlight during the off peak hours, plan a regular exercise routine and of course it is important to monitor the strength of the bones.
In terms of exercise, Ayesha Al Basti, specialist registrar, family medicine, at DHA's Primary Health Centre, said that weight-bearing exercises in particular are essential to maintain bone mass. Aisha also recommended people undergo regular bone density testing to prevent the onset of the disease.
