Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones, making them more susceptible to breaking. Approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million have an increased risk, due to poor bone density. In fact, one in two women and one in four men will break a bone due to osteoporosis in their lifetime.
To raise awareness about this disease, May has been designated as National Osteoporosis Month. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center want everyone to “Break Free from Osteoporosis” by learning how to prevent and manage the disease.
According to the NOF, the keys to combatting osteoporosis are diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Recommendations include:
- Get plenty of calcium and vitamin D in your diet
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
- Participate in weight bearing and muscle strengthening exercises on a regular basis
To emphasize the importance of physical activity for optimal bone health, the NOF is issuing the Jumping Jack Challenge. Beginning May 1, a challenge is being issued to all children and their parents and extended families to videotape themselves doing 10 jumping jacks in less than 10 seconds and posting it on social media with the hashtag #JumpingJackChallenge.
Through this effort, the NOF wants to stress the importance of building strong bones and maintaining bone strength throughout your life.
Jamaica Hospital supports the NOF’s campaign against osteoporosis. We offer bone densitometry testing in our Women’s Health Center. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 7180-206-3276.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.