If my mom is diagnosed with osteoporosis, what should I do next?
Your loved one may feel concerned or even frightened after being diagnosed with osteoporosis. However, the good news is that, armed with information and the support of your doctor, she/he can significantly improve bone health and reduce the risk of future fractures with a combination of medication, diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.
My dad has always been active, but doesn't want to risk breaking another bone. Should he spend more time "on the sidelines" from now on?
It is perfectly understandable that you want to avoid another fracture. No one who has broken a bone wants to revisit that pain and loss of independence. However, living your life "on the sidelines" is not an effective way to protect your bones. Remaining physically active reduces the risk of heart disease, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes. It may also protect against prostate and breast cancer, high blood pressure, obesity, and mood disorders such as depression andanxiety.
What is hip padding? Should I consider it?
Research has shown that hip protectors can decrease the risk of hip fracture among people who are at high risk for falls. Most hip protectors are washable undergarments that fit over the hips. On each side of the garment is a thin layer of lightweight foam plastic.
Hip protectors are typically worn by people who have an unstable stride or posture, and by people who tend to fall down (with the main impact near the hip) rather than the more typical fall forward (with the main impact on the hands or knees). However, studies have found that up to one third of people refused to wear hip protectors, or wore them for only limited periods.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases supports research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases, the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research, and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases.